This is the pastry brush that we use.

We use a pastry brush a lot.  Use this to brush melted butter on your still-warm bread for a soft, buttery crust.  Or brush an egg wash on your bread before baking for a shiny finish or to hold seeds on the loaves. 

For an egg white wash, whisk one tablespoon water with the egg white.  For a more bronzed finish, whisk one tablespoon water with a whole egg.