What is a hack brush primarily used for?

A hack brush is primarily designed for applying thick paint or for creating texture in a medium like acrylic or oil paint. Its stiff bristles allow for a more expressive application, making it ideal for layering and adding depth to artwork. Artists often use a hack brush to create broader strokes, textures, and effects, rather than focusing on fine detail.

While large areas in ink washes or watercolor can sometimes utilize broader brushes, the true strength of a hack brush lies in its ability to manipulate thicker materials rather than fluid mediums. Detail work in small areas is typically better suited to finer brushes, which can achieve precision that a hack brush cannot provide. Likewise, fine lines in pencil drawings require tools specifically designed for drawing, rather than the broad, improvisational strokes associated with a hack brush.