Paintbrush Change
Turn One Card Into Another With a Simple Brush
Imagine you're showing a friend a card—maybe the Two of Spades. You hold it up, give it a quick brush against the deck, and it instantly turns into the Ten of Hearts. It looks like you just painted the new color onto the paper while they were watching.
How the Paintbrush Change is Taught
Julio Ribera breaks the move down into two versions. You'll start with the classic "painting" style, which is a bit slower and very deceptive. Then, you'll move into the advanced version where the card changes with a quick flick. Julio shows you exactly where to put your thumb, index, and middle fingers so the two cards stay perfectly aligned. He explains how to use tension in your ring and pinky fingers to "shoot" the card into place so the change looks like real magic.
What Level Is This For?
This is a step up from beginner magic. You should already know how to do a basic Double Lift and feel comfortable holding a "break" with your pinky. The mechanics aren't complicated, but it takes some practice to get the timing right. You'll need to spend a few days getting the feel for the finger pressure so the cards don't slip or talk.
About Julio Ribera
Julio Ribera has taught thousands of students through his popular YouTube channel and his magic school, Magigram. He specializes in making visual card magic look effortless and natural. He's an expert at taking tricky moves and breaking them into small, manageable steps.
What the Paintbrush Change Covers
- The "painting" motion for a slow, deceptive change
- The advanced "pop" version for an instant transformation
- How to get into position using a sliding Double Lift
- The exact finger pressure needed to keep the cards squared
- How to use your thumb to release the card at the right moment
- Common mistakes that make the change look messy or obvious
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until I can actually use this?
You can learn the mechanics in about ten minutes. However, you'll want to practice in front of a mirror for a few days to make sure the cards stay perfectly squared during the brush.
What if I have small hands?
Hand size doesn't matter for this move. The change happens because of the tension between your fingers and the card, not the size of your palm.
Is this easier with certain cards?
It works best with a relatively fresh deck of cards. If your cards are old and "clumpy," they won't slide or snap into place as easily.
Can I learn this without a teacher watching?
Yes. Julio shows the move from multiple angles, including a "top-down" view. This lets you see exactly what your hands should look like from your own perspective.