Brush Selection

[RossFMJ]

This has probably been sorted multiple times but my searches can't find it.  I need some decent brushes for detail painting etc and think Kolinsky sable may be best for lacquer, oil and acrylic paint, mainly for keeping a good point and holding paint. I think Winsor and Newton Series 7 are out of my range, their professional series are just possibles and Handover Series 33 00, 1,2 & 4 are affordable.  Really I need them to keep a point, particularly around complex shapes and hold a reasonable amount of paint without splodging or drying out. Anybody got any comments?

[rockpopandchips]

For budget GSW silver line are quite nice, but my vote would go with Rosemary & Co series 33.

[cmatthewbacon]

Rosemary and Co are very good. Artis Opus are also excellent. You might only need a couple of brushes… you want a very fine point which you get with either brand, but frankly the tiny ones don’t carry much paint, so you’re better off with say an 00 and a 1. Looked after they’ll still have an extremely fine point but it’s much easier to dip only the bottom 1/3 in the paint as you should to keep them in prime condition and still have enough paint. Two really good brushes cared for will be better for longer than five cheaper ones, IMHO…

best,

M.

[RossFMJ]

Thanks @cmatthewbacon & @rockpopandchips

[Yg Models]

for me, any Kolinsky sable - base brush, more or less 10 pounds is OK.

brand not the major issue, since no matter which brand, the tip will distort after use and clean.

so you will replace new brush every half to one year, old brush could keep for weathering, drybrushing.

 

i won't care how much paint on tip (e.g. control only 1/3 of tip), because you could use tissue to absorb excess paint.

also, how much paint on tip is depended on what technique you use, and the proportion of water/thinner/retarder & paint. e.g.

paint base color,

paint actual color,

edging, highlight,

layering, blending, wet blending,

wash, glaze.

 

btw, i won't use Kolinsky sable brush with oil paint.

 

Edited June 9 by Yg Models

[RossFMJ]

Thanks @Yg Models

[dromia]

My sables of choice come from A S Handover.

 

I have been using them for decades.

 

Series 33, 66, & 99 depending on preferred length of bristle.

 

They have lots of other brushes for every conceivable application.

 

You'll need to go to page two from the link.

 

A S Handover sables

[RossFMJ]

Thanks @dromia, That's what I went for, I like their choice of lengths and their prices. 

[Model Mate]

I use da Vinci brushes and they’re great. I’ve probably had them for 7 or 8 years and they’re good as new. I think the brand DOES matter to be honest. There are cheaper kolinsky brushes out there, but others I’ve tried just don’t keep their points

[Model Mate]

Oh, and I agree that you only need a couple. I’ve got four of them, but the smaller ones (0000 and 10x0) never see the light of day. The 1 and 00 are all I use.

[Muchmirth]

I’ve used a bunch of brushes, tried several brands but like model mate above I’d get da Vinci brushes every time! Well worth it as best I’ve used. W and n has had some quality control issues last few years.

Paul