brushes for fine details

[Lynnb]

Hi everyone, I'm in need of some new very fine detail brushes and looking to the people with experience for their thoughts on good quality brushes. I've tried good brushes from Michaels and they just don't seem to last, the little strands start going there own way. Frankly I wouldn't know the differnce from a great brush to a good brush. I will be having to paint some small HO scale people  so figure some great brushes are in need.
Thanks for all information.
Lynn

[deemery]

For figure painting, the recommendation I remember reading is "red sable".  You could look at art supply houses like https://www.dickblick.com  (see https://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-series-7-kolinsky-sable-brushes/ in particular...) or at modeler specific companies like AK Interactive https://ak-interactive.com or Vallejo https://acrylicosvallejo.com/en/category/hobby/brushes-model-paints-en/ .  But the really important thing is to treat your brushes well.  That means thoroughly cleaning them and storing them to avoid stress on the bristles.


dave

[engine909]

Dave, You are correct, get the best, take of them. In the end they do a great job and you save money by not buying inferior, than good.
Compromising is never a good idea.

[Lynnb]

Thanks this is a good start, even the smallest brushes I have for doing the small I also find hard to hold after a bit so also I will looking for ones that are easier to hold than a toothpick.

[Janbouli]

What type of paint will you be using ? It makes a lot of difference if you're using acrylics  or enamels or oils.
I use mostly acrylics , and use synthetic da Vinci Nova retouch brushes .

[Lynnb]

I do use floquil paints but for the fine fine painting I can't see it being anything but acrylics.

[S&S RR]

Hi everyone, I'm in need of some new very fine detail brushes and looking to the people with experience for their thoughts on good quality brushes. I've tried good brushes from Michaels and they just don't seem to last, the little strands start going there own way. Frankly I wouldn't know the differnce from a great brush to a good brush. I will be having to paint some small HO scale people  so figure some great brushes are in need.
Thanks for all information.
Lynn

Lynn


For brush care Dave Revela recommended using hair conditioner on your brushes to help them keep their shape. I just looked up my notes from his Figure Painting Clinic. He recommended taking the little bottle from hotel rooms, which I did and it works.  It has been a while since I needed hair conditioner and I wasn't about to get caught taking my wifes.

[Lynnb]

Hi everyone, I'm in need of some new very fine detail brushes and looking to the people with experience for their thoughts on good quality brushes. I've tried good brushes from Michaels and they just don't seem to last, the little strands start going there own way. Frankly I wouldn't know the differnce from a great brush to a good brush. I will be having to paint some small HO scale people  so figure some great brushes are in need.
Thanks for all information.
Lynn

Lynn


For brush care Dave Revela recommended using hair conditioner on your brushes to help them keep their shape. I just looked up my notes from his Figure Painting Clinic. He recommended taking the little bottle from hotel rooms, which I did and it works.  It has been a while since I needed hair conditioner and I wasn't about to get caught taking my wifes.

Thanks John, are you saying put the conditioner on to clean them or put it on to preserve them and leave it on?
I generally just use hand soap and roll the brush tips in my fingers, also found MEK also works well.
John I've been catching up on your layout build , only up to page 18 and really looking forward to reading up on your fox Run and Swakhammer builds.

[tooStupid]

Look into these,

https://www.winsornewton.com/na/brushes/watercolour-brushes/series-7-kolinsky-sable-brushes/

They go to a very fine tip and hold paint well.

[Lynnb]

Look into these,

https://www.winsornewton.com/na/brushes/watercolour-brushes/series-7-kolinsky-sable-brushes/

They go to a very fine tip and hold paint well.

Thanks Marty , I checked the site and every brush is out of stock. I think I will simply looking for,some sable brushes with a triangular shaped handle.

[jerryrbeach]

Lynn,


After you clean the brush Dave Revelia recommends dipping it into the conditioner and letting it dry.  If you do this you need to rinse it off before you paint.  (Wondering if John and I happened to attend the same clinic at one of the old Craftsman Structure shows?)


I have had good luck with brushes from Michaels etc., for figure painting.  I usually buy mid-range priced brushes.  I thin my acrylics with the blue windshield washer fluid and apply multiple thin coats.  I often clean the brush several times while painting even a few figures because of how quickly the acrylics dry.  I often use several brushes, simply setting them in a jar of water with a few drops of dish detergent as soon as I see the paint start to thicken in the bristles.  I grab another and continue, then clean all at the end of the painting session.

[Lynnb]

Thanks Jerry for the great tips. 

[S&S RR]

Lynn


Jerry answered your question - I just dip it in and let it dry. I also wet my brushes down and wash them before I paint.  I'm using only acrylics now so a little water doesn't hurt anything.    I attend every Dave Revelia clinic I can so Jerry and I may have been in the same clinic.  Dave is one great modeler. 

[Jerry]

Lynn


Jerry answered your question - I just dip it in and let it dry. I also wet my brushes down and wash them before I paint.  I'm using only acrylics now so a little water doesn't hurt anything.    I attend every Dave Revelia clinic I can so Jerry and I may have been in the same clinic.  Dave is one great modeler.

Looks like we all have taken Dave's clinic.  He is a master at painting figures!
He has a great DVD made by Scott Mason.


Jerry

[tooStupid]

Look into these,

https://www.winsornewton.com/na/brushes/watercolour-brushes/series-7-kolinsky-sable-brushes/

They go to a very fine tip and hold paint well.

Thanks Marty , I checked the site and every brush is out of stock. I think I will simply looking for,some sable brushes with a triangular shaped handle.

They must be good than, he he