Citadel Synthetic Base Brush Small vs Large: Sizing Explained
By GUNNZO | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: 購入ガイド
Compare Citadel Synthetic Base Brush Small and Large by bristle size, coverage and control. Learn which brush to use for basecoating infantry, tanks and details.
Quick answer
Choose the Citadel Synthetic Base Brush Large when you need to sweep base layers across flat areas like tanks, Knights and Dreadnoughts; choose the Citadel Synthetic Base Brush Small when you need to place base paint in tight nooks or add edge highlights and fine details. Many painters benefit from owning both.
Coverage vs control: the real trade-off
The Large brush is built to cover flat surfaces quickly, which saves time on big models but gives you less precision around edges and recesses. The Small brush gives you tighter control for confined areas and finishing touches, but covering large flat panels with it takes noticeably longer.
Neither brush is a universal replacement for the other. If you mostly paint infantry, the Small brush will handle most of your basecoating and detail work. If you regularly paint vehicles or large monsters, the Large brush will speed up your base layers while the Small brush handles the areas the Large brush cannot reach cleanly.
When one brush is enough
If your collection is mostly infantry-sized models and you paint in small batches, the Small brush alone can cover basecoating, edge highlighting and details. If your collection is dominated by large flat surfaces and you rarely paint fine script or lenses, the Large brush alone may cover most of your needs.
The decision becomes easier when you look at your last few projects: if you spent most of your time blocking in large areas, the Large brush is the priority; if you spent most of your time working around already-painted areas, the Small brush is the priority.
Decision rules for choosing your base brush
- If you are basecoating large flat panels: Use the Citadel Synthetic Base Brush Large to cover tanks, Knights and Dreadnoughts quickly. Its broad coverage reduces the number of passes needed on flat surfaces.
- If you are painting around already-finished areas: Use the Citadel Synthetic Base Brush Small to place base paint into tight nooks without spilling onto colours you want to keep. Its smaller point gives you more control in confined spaces.
- If you need edge highlights or fine details: Reach for the Small brush for edge highlighting, script and glass lenses. The Large brush is not intended for this level of precision.
- If you are building a starter set: Buy the Small brush first if you mostly paint infantry, or the Large brush first if you mostly paint vehicles. Add the other when your projects regularly include both flat areas and tight details. Check your last three projects: if most of your painting time was on flat panels, start with the Large brush.
Product facts
- Citadel Synthetic Base Brush Small: Small enough to fit into tight nooks and crannies, and pointed enough for edge highlighting and finishing details like script and glass lenses. This makes it the better choice when you need to apply base paint without disturbing surrounding colours or add controlled highlights.
Citadel Synthetic Base Brush Small - Citadel Synthetic Base Brush Large: Designed to sweep a splotch of colour across flat surfaces, making it suitable for tanks, Knights and Dreadnoughts. This makes it the faster option for basecoating large flat areas where precision around details is less critical.
Citadel Synthetic Base Brush Large
Who each brush fits
Best for
- Painters who mostly basecoat infantry and need control in tight areas
- Hobbyists who want a single brush for basecoating, edge highlighting and details
- Anyone painting around finished colours and needing precision
Not for
- Painters who mainly cover large flat surfaces and want maximum speed
- Hobbyists who rarely paint fine details or tight recesses
