Flat brushes have a flat ferrule and the bristles are square-ended and straight edged. A flat brush can also be called a one-stroke, a shader, or a bright, depending on the length of the hairs and its intended use. In face painting a “one-stroke brush” generally means a one inch wide flat brush – ideal for applying all the colours from a one inch one-stroke split-cake. Flat brushes are also good for: shading, blending, base-coats, broad sweeping strokes or narrow lines (using the edge).