Techniques
Brush

Prep & Assembly

Brush

Paint a thin, even layer of liquid onto food with a pastry brush

Brushing paints a thin, even coat of egg wash, oil, butter, or glaze onto food using a pastry brush — for shine, browning, or to help toppings stick. It gives precise, gentle control. Use light strokes so you don't deflate delicate dough or pool the liquid.

Brushing paints a thin, even coat of egg wash, oil, butter, or glaze onto food with a pastry brush — for shine, browning, or to help toppings stick. It gives precise, gentle control. Use light strokes so you don't deflate delicate dough or pool the liquid.

Difficulty
Easy

How to do it

  1. 1

    Dip the brush and tap off the excess.

  2. 2

    Stroke a thin coat over the surface.

  3. 3

    Work gently on delicate dough so you don't deflate it.

  4. 4

    Reach edges and seams that need shine or grip.

Common uses

Egg-washing pastryOiling grill foodsButtering filo and breadGlazing tartsBrushing marinadeGreasing pans

Tips & pitfalls

  • A silicone brush is easy to clean; natural bristle lays a finer coat.
  • Brush egg wash on pastry tops, not cut edges, so layers still rise.
  • Light, even strokes prevent streaks and puddles.

Good to know

Tool
Pastry brush
Best for
Egg wash, oil, butter, glazes, marinades
Cue
Thin, even film with no pooling

Also called

brush on · paint

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