Paint Brushes - Synthetic or Natural

Steve Adams · Post by **Steve Adams** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 12:17 pm

I would like advice on the best paint brushes to use. I work in scales from 1/72 to 1/350. I normally use an air brush for larger areas such as hulls and 1/350 decks but also use brush for 1/700 decks as appropriate.

Would like advice on detail brushes and larger as to type/size and where to buy (preferably U.S. source).

If a set of brushes could be recommended, that would be great. Thank you for any/all help.

Regards,

Steve Adams

Sylvain Auger · Post by **Sylvain Auger** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 1:26 pm

I always use Tamiya brushes for my projects. They are easily accessible where I am and they offer a wide variety of brush sizes. The only draw back is that they are kinda expensive. 4.00 Canadian dollars a piece! I too would like to know of a better source for brushes but I have yet to find a place that sells brushes with very small tips like the Tamiya ones.

Hope this helps a bit

Sean Hert · Post by **Sean Hert** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 3:08 pm

Artificial bristle brushes tend to last longer and hold more paint and are cheaper. They are also much worse about leaving brush streaks.

I'm a pretty dedicated sable guy. When I'm painting very finely detailed things, I only use Kolinsky Sables- but they cost as much as USD10.00 a piece. I also take good care of my brushes, and last for a long time.

Floquil makes a fairly good brush, and should be available at most hobby shops. Also, some of the Model Master brushes are pretty good.

Cheesecake-Class Cruiser · Mon Oct 03, 2005 4:16 pm

I like Vallejo or Games Workshop sable brushes. I once tried using cheaper synthetics...never again!

Ron Smith · Post by **Ron Smith** » Mon Oct 03, 2005 5:40 pm

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 2:50 am

Games Workshop sable are about the best I have come across.

Rob

les · Post by **les** » Tue Oct 04, 2005 11:32 am

I also prefer sable for oils, enamels and acrylic. The critical things to remember are to clean them well after each use and shape the head with your fingers, not your mouth (chemicals aren't good for your organs). Store them vertically with the tips up if possible. Buy the best brushes you can afford. Good brushes will last longer and give you better results. As far as types, I use both flats and rounds in various sizes. Hope this helps.