Hi everyone,

I've searched the forums but can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

I'm just getting back into modelling after many years and to say things have moved along a bit would be an understatement.

I've just finished painting my AFV Club Stryker MG1128 and am now looking to apply an overall oil wash (after sealing with future). I've bought the paint and thinners, but I've not purchased any specific paint brushes, my plan being to use those I've used for the acrylics (Vallejo). Is this a good idea, or should I buy brushes that will be used exclusively for oils?

Many thanks

CG

Greeting CG,

Supposedly there are brushes that are specifically for oils, water colors and acrylics.

I've been using Red Sable brushes for all my painting needs (oils and acrylics) and have never seen any adverse effects. I've been told that synthetic fiber brushes are better for acrylics than natural, but I'm not so sure. I've never had any issues with the red sable on any type of paint and I use a variety of paints.

Steve

It all depends .... using the same brushes for painting should be no problem as long as they are cleaned properly afterwards. But if you have bought oils for weathering techniques, you may need a few different types of brushes, like flat and wider brushes for filters and rain streaks, and short hair brushes for stipling. I keep older brushes just for mixing oils and also for diorama work. I have a brush or two for eyes only. Etc.

I fall in Franks camp when it comes to brushes. All my brushes are Red Sable, and I use them for everything except dry brushing. Sizes range from 10/0 to #2. I have a few flat brushes that I use for dry brushing that are made from Silver Fox. They are much stiffer then the Red Sable brushes, as they take quite a beating.

I must confess that I'm rather tough on my brushes, and never take the proper care of them that they require. I clean them in the correct type of thinner for each paint, and once in a rare while, I will wash them in warm soap and water. The use of a good brush conditioner helps to keep them soft, and in their proper shape. Unfortunately, I just never remember to buy any. And at the cost of a brush these days, I think I should make that a priority.

Thanks for all the advise

As with most things, I think this boils down to personal preference.

I've got a spare model I can practice on, so I'll do a little experimentation. I just wanted to ensure I wont be contaminating the brush by using oils so I wont be able to use acrylic paints again.

Cheers

CG

I too, am in Frank's camp as far as brush types,cleaning, and maintainence. No red sables though. Camel and synthetics. Sponges,felt, glass fiber,pens, and others fill my painting arsenal. 2 full 5 gal. buckets of rattle cans for basics.
I clean the brushes in the normal solvent for the paint media used, then spritz some window cleaner on them,rinse with water, point them into shape, and then store them hairs up till next use. After a couple good long sessions, I'll do the cleaning and then finger rub some Johnsons baby shampoo into them and let them sit for a while before I rinse them out. I think it helps them last longer