noun
brush (for painting, basting, etc.)
A flat or round brush used for applying paint, paste, or sauces. Common in crafts, cooking, and cleaning.
ペンキを塗る前に、刷毛を水で湿らせてください。
Before applying the paint, please moisten the brush with water.
料理用の刷毛で、たれを魚に塗った。
I basted the fish with sauce using a cooking brush.
Rarely used kanji form; 刷毛 is preferred.
The kanji 刷 means 'printing' or 'brushing', and 毛 means 'hair', reflecting the brush's traditional material. The reading はけ is a native Japanese word.