Good brushes question

[Babelfish]

Anyone got any tips for good quality brushes that keep their points well?

I have an old Windsor & Newton Series 7 (size 2) that's still going strong and does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to detail work. Superb point maintained no matter what I throw at it.

But it won't last forever and some of the newer W&N S7 brushes don't seem as good (some other guys have said the same). Hence the need for alternatives.

- Steve

 

[Rob]

These are good brushes and excellent value at the price.
http://www.rosemaryandco.com/oil-brushes

I use the Shiraz range as I prefer a shorter bristle, most of my painting being gaming scales 25-15mm means I get little use out of long bristle lining brushes.

 

[Banjer]

Best ones I have used are Roubloff from Russia but I they were hard to get before sanctions so impossible now.
I now use Hawk brushes and they are excellent for the price.



C

 

[valiant]

I can recommend this guy - attends many of the shows now https://www.planetfigure.com/threads/brushes-from-the-brushman.88665/

 

[Hawk_Uk]

We have a full range of sable brushes which are used by a number of members on here. Also check out Facebook for comments on them.

Details on our website.

Regards

 

[David Spencer]

Been using ProArte for years, mostly cos that’s what the local art shop sells.
Recently used a couple of Artmaster Pearl ones which were fine.
With careful management they generally last about 18 months before getting relegated to dry brushing duties.

 

[Wayneb]

Two lips and the cheapest brush you can find..................

 

[Nap]

I use Rosemary's Series 33 and 22

Very good quality service and customer service

I do use a brush soap as well after each session

Nap

 

[NigelR]

I've tried many alternatives (apart from the Brushman mentioned above) and for detail painting nothing beats Series 7 for me. None of the alternatives I have tried have the quality of S7 nor do they hold their point as well as S7. But they are good for blocking in and general painting work. So I have a mix of brushes from Broken Toad, Rosemary, Hawk and ProArte but still have several 1 and 0 S7 brushes for fine detail painting. For larger than size 1 I am happy to use alternatives to S7.

However, I did buy a load of S7 brushes five years ago before I retired and still have these so I have to admit I have not bought any S7 in recent years.

 

[Billy Dickinson]

Hawk Miniatures brushes are my everyday go to brushes. Very reasonably priced. Artus Opus are very good as well, but at the other end of the price range . Using brush soap after every use to keep them clean and in good shape is a good idea.
Billy

 

[Blind Pew]

I can definitely vouch for Hawk Miniatures, Broken Toad and Rosemary.

 

[Viking Bob]

I have found that using the hand sanitizer, which has alcohol in cleans the brushes like new, great for getting the paint out of the ferrule, mind you I use acrylic..
I have used the cheap brushes and cleaning this way they still have a point.

 

[Blind Pew]

Further to Bob's suggestion, I've used Wilko's or B & Q's own brand paint & varnish remover for years. I'm positive it's the same stuff as the expensive name brands. The stuff it gets out of apparently clean brushes is unbelievable.

 

[brian]

I've always loved W&N series 7 brushes,but have had a couple with one stray hair at the point.Quality control is not what it was,plus have you seen the prices lately.Doubled at least.

 

[Babelfish]

I've always loved W&N series 7 brushes,but have had a couple with one stray hair at the point.Quality control is not what it was,plus have you seen the prices lately.Doubled at least.

Yes I've had similar experience to you Brian.

Thanks for all the suggestions fellas. Much to ponder and plenty of options.

- Steve

 

[Hawk_Uk]

Yes I've had similar experience to you Brian.

Thanks for all the suggestions fellas. Much to ponder and plenty of options.

- Steve

Hi Steve,
Just one more bit to think on when looking at paintbrushes you need to find ones that suit the way you paint, the paints you use and most importantly the way you paint. And that only comes with trying lots of them and finding a brand that works for you.

Happy painting.

 

[Henk]

My everyday workhorses are Broken Toad Sable brushes. I've used hem for about three years now, and the no.1 and no.2 are still outstanding. The smaller ones have lost their body and spring now, but are still usable. I use a lot of the cheaper Windsor and Newton brushes for base coating and such. I don't like the W&N no.7 that much, because the bellies are not as generous as the Broken Toad and Hawk brushes. I have started using the Hawk brushes with the shorter handles, they are great for close up work where your light or magnifier glasses get really close in.

 

[Hawk_Uk]

[quote=" I have started using the Hawk brushes with the shorter handles, they are great for close up work where your light or magnifier glasses get really close in.[/quote]

These are our War Gaming Micro paintbrush range, more details here website

 

[P GREEN]

Just a throw in , with the W&N supply being spotty for me at time I started using Raphael 8408 Red Sables. They are competitive with W&N prices but much happier with these.

 

[Gellso]

Bit late on this Steve but these are excellent.

Roughly 2 quid each and will get you through a good couple of busts and longer if you wash and treat them.
I really use them as disposable and they are excellent for painting.

Pound for pound they're more economic than the Series 7 by far.
I can send you some to try if you message me.

I picked up 3 packs of them at a model show for 25 quid per pack and I still have two packs left.

https://www.abcbrushes.com/shop/000013-pack-of-24-sable-model-painting-brushes/

Grant