AFV Painting & Weathering
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
Answers to questions about the right paint scheme or tips for the right effect.
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The best brushes
MichaelD413
Joined: June 03, 2011
KitMaker: 163 posts
Armorama: 136 posts
Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012 - 12:28 PM UTC
Price not being an object, what are your favorite/in your opinion the best brand and or type of (armor modeling) paint brushes out there...
BBD468
Joined: March 08, 2010
KitMaker: 2,465 posts
Armorama: 2,383 posts
Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012 - 01:21 PM UTC
Hi Michael,
My best brushes are Windsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky sable 1, 0, 00, 000. my small brushes like 10/0 & 20/0 are cheapies i get at my local hobby shop.
Gary
My best brushes are Windsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky sable 1, 0, 00, 000. my small brushes like 10/0 & 20/0 are cheapies i get at my local hobby shop.
Gary
SgtRam
Contributing Writer
#197
Joined: March 06, 2011
KitMaker: 3,971 posts
Armorama: 2,859 posts
Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012 - 01:47 PM UTC
I used to like the Tamiya brand brushes, but I started shopping at a local art store, Wallacks. Their brushes are cheaper, and I find better then brushes found at hobby store. They have their own brand Wallacks White Talon that I like, and Demco brand.
retiredyank
Joined: June 29, 2009
KitMaker: 11,610 posts
Armorama: 7,843 posts
Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012 - 02:55 PM UTC
I've tried several brands and find Artist's Loft for watercolors to be the best. I picked them up at a Michael's. I paid about $7.5 for a set of four from 10/0 to 0.
Big-John
Joined: August 12, 2010
KitMaker: 731 posts
Armorama: 711 posts
Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012 - 03:31 PM UTC
I agree with Gary 100% If you want a quality brush, then the Windsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky sable is the only way to go. Take good care of them, and they will last a very long time! They hold their shape! Period! They will out last those cheap brush many times over.
MichaelD413
Joined: June 03, 2011
KitMaker: 163 posts
Armorama: 136 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 14, 2012 - 11:42 AM UTC
aside from my worn out used and crappy old brushes, right now I am using Vallejo kolinsky sable...do you think there's much of a difference between the Vallejo's I use and the Windsor and Newtons...
SdAufKla
Joined: May 07, 2010
KitMaker: 2,238 posts
Armorama: 2,158 posts
Posted: Friday, January 20, 2012 - 01:27 PM UTC
Just surfed onto this thread and thought I'd add a +1 to the earlier recommendations for the Winsor & Newton Series 7 brushes.
I can't say if the Vallejo brushes are as good, since I've never used them, but W & N has been making some of the best brushes in the world for ages.
Here's where I buy mine:
http://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-series-7-kolinsky-sable-pointed-round/
Keep 'em clean and treat 'em nice and they'll last a very long time.
I use the Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner and Restorer:
http://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-brush-cleaner-and-restorer/
After cleaning with this, I rinse the brushes in water and then use this:
http://www.dickblick.com/products/the-masters-brush-cleaner-and-preserver/
Work up a little lather with the wet brush, drag the tip across a paper towel to shape the tip, and let the lather dry in the brush. Rinse it off in clean thinners when you get ready to use the brush again.
Sounds like a lot of work, but it really only takes a couple of minutes. However, a little TLC will keep those brushes in good shape for a long time. I have several brushes that I've been using for figure painting for more than 20 years - so long that the writing has worn off the handles.
I do only use my "good" brushes on fine detail work, though (figures, detail painting, chipping, etc). For dry-brushing, pigments, and other general purpose work, less expensive brushes work well enough.
The Series 7 brushes are more expensive than the common "consumer" standard that you get in the large craft stores or hobby shops, but once you use some really good brushes, you'll be forever critical of any other brushes that don't measure up.
HTH,
I can't say if the Vallejo brushes are as good, since I've never used them, but W & N has been making some of the best brushes in the world for ages.
Here's where I buy mine:
http://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-series-7-kolinsky-sable-pointed-round/
Keep 'em clean and treat 'em nice and they'll last a very long time.
I use the Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner and Restorer:
http://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-brush-cleaner-and-restorer/
After cleaning with this, I rinse the brushes in water and then use this:
http://www.dickblick.com/products/the-masters-brush-cleaner-and-preserver/
Work up a little lather with the wet brush, drag the tip across a paper towel to shape the tip, and let the lather dry in the brush. Rinse it off in clean thinners when you get ready to use the brush again.
Sounds like a lot of work, but it really only takes a couple of minutes. However, a little TLC will keep those brushes in good shape for a long time. I have several brushes that I've been using for figure painting for more than 20 years - so long that the writing has worn off the handles.
I do only use my "good" brushes on fine detail work, though (figures, detail painting, chipping, etc). For dry-brushing, pigments, and other general purpose work, less expensive brushes work well enough.
The Series 7 brushes are more expensive than the common "consumer" standard that you get in the large craft stores or hobby shops, but once you use some really good brushes, you'll be forever critical of any other brushes that don't measure up.
HTH,
pseudorealityx
Joined: January 31, 2010
KitMaker: 2,191 posts
Armorama: 1,814 posts
Posted: Friday, January 20, 2012 - 03:55 PM UTC
This is something I really need to invest in as I get at least somewhat more serious about my finishes.
Thanks to Mike and the rest of you for the suggestions, even if this isn't my thread.
Thanks to Mike and the rest of you for the suggestions, even if this isn't my thread.
vonHengest
Joined: June 29, 2010
KitMaker: 5,854 posts
Armorama: 4,817 posts
Posted: Friday, January 20, 2012 - 09:00 PM UTC
I like those W & N series 7 sables as well, they seem to be just about the right combination of qualities and keep their shape for a long time. I haven't had that kind of luck with other brushes, and I'm sure I haven't used brushes as hard or as long as most here.
Mike: Thanks for all of the links, I haven't really given the restorer or preserver but I think I will give them a chance. Anything that can help my brushes will be welcome.
Mike: Thanks for all of the links, I haven't really given the restorer or preserver but I think I will give them a chance. Anything that can help my brushes will be welcome.
MichaelD413
Joined: June 03, 2011
KitMaker: 163 posts
Armorama: 136 posts
Posted: Friday, January 20, 2012 - 09:09 PM UTC
Has anyone tried the Abteilung 502 (MIG) brushes...
Metal_blast
Joined: January 31, 2008
KitMaker: 199 posts
Armorama: 188 posts
Posted: Friday, January 20, 2012 - 09:44 PM UTC
Hey 
There are different types of paint brushes, and it really depends on the medium you plan on using with x paint brush. The three main mediums of paint artists use are:
1. acrylics
2. watercolor
3. oil
For oil paints, hog hair is usually used, although synthetics are popular; for acrylics, mainly synthetic; for watercolor, its usually synthetic although traditional brushes are made from sable (very expensive).
Some have suggested the Windsor & Newton 7 series brushes; very expensive but high quality. These brushes are used for watercolor and gouache paints, although I've seen them used with hobby paints such as acrylics? I personally would NEVER use my artist quality brushes with hobby paints, because they are too expensive to ruin. In my opinion, the best brushes for this hobby are the cheaper synthetic variety; they retain paint well, hold a good point and are inexpensive to replace.
So in my opinion, the best brushes are the cheap brushes. However, if you are looking for the best quality, natural hair brushes are the best?
I am assuming hobby paints behave similarly to watercolor, although I have never used mine with hobby paints. Regardless, I would recommend Escoda synthetic brushes... Windsor & Newton synthetic brushes are okay.
There are different types of paint brushes, and it really depends on the medium you plan on using with x paint brush. The three main mediums of paint artists use are:
1. acrylics
2. watercolor
3. oil
For oil paints, hog hair is usually used, although synthetics are popular; for acrylics, mainly synthetic; for watercolor, its usually synthetic although traditional brushes are made from sable (very expensive).
Some have suggested the Windsor & Newton 7 series brushes; very expensive but high quality. These brushes are used for watercolor and gouache paints, although I've seen them used with hobby paints such as acrylics? I personally would NEVER use my artist quality brushes with hobby paints, because they are too expensive to ruin. In my opinion, the best brushes for this hobby are the cheaper synthetic variety; they retain paint well, hold a good point and are inexpensive to replace.
So in my opinion, the best brushes are the cheap brushes. However, if you are looking for the best quality, natural hair brushes are the best?
I am assuming hobby paints behave similarly to watercolor, although I have never used mine with hobby paints. Regardless, I would recommend Escoda synthetic brushes... Windsor & Newton synthetic brushes are okay.
Karl187
#284
Joined: October 04, 2006
KitMaker: 3,094 posts
Armorama: 2,942 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 21, 2012 - 12:49 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Has anyone tried the Abteilung 502 (MIG) brushes...
Yeah I use them- they have a good range of sizes and shapes and are good quality. I use Tamiya, Italeri and various artists brushes aswell.
Whiskey_1
Joined: November 22, 2008
KitMaker: 279 posts
Armorama: 272 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 21, 2012 - 01:06 AM UTC
Since I do a little painting myself, I can wholeheartedly state that the most important thing about brushes is maintainance. It takes but a little extra time and helps increase the lifespan of brushes enourmously. The W&N brushes are very high quality kolinskly sable, which makes them expensive.
I get my brushes at a local arists supplies store/framemaker and mostly buy midrange brands like Vincent (sub of Talens). These offer sable brushes as well, are less expensive than the W&N and, with proper maintainance, do the job just as well. Hog hair brushes are used in oil painting, but for the fine work, smooth sable brushes are a must.
At any rate, don`t buy the starter sets you sometimes find in discount stores as tools to paint models with. These tend to have lots of glue in the brush and lose their hairs quite quickly. They can be handy for applying dirt or mud on dio`s or serve as a source of raw material (f.e. to use in dio`s as a plant variety).
I get my brushes at a local arists supplies store/framemaker and mostly buy midrange brands like Vincent (sub of Talens). These offer sable brushes as well, are less expensive than the W&N and, with proper maintainance, do the job just as well. Hog hair brushes are used in oil painting, but for the fine work, smooth sable brushes are a must.
At any rate, don`t buy the starter sets you sometimes find in discount stores as tools to paint models with. These tend to have lots of glue in the brush and lose their hairs quite quickly. They can be handy for applying dirt or mud on dio`s or serve as a source of raw material (f.e. to use in dio`s as a plant variety).
screamingeagle
Joined: January 08, 2002
KitMaker: 1,027 posts
Armorama: 595 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 21, 2012 - 06:48 PM UTC
I use Utrecht brand Kolinsky Red Sable brushes and they have held up just as well as my W&N red sables. The big difference only being that the Utrecht brushes are more moderately priced and affordable. However, as other's have pointed out, brush care is most important if you want your brushes to last long and perform well. Here is the website link where I get mine;
http://www.utrechtart.com/Oil-Paint-Brushes-Brushes,Natural.utrecht
http://www.utrechtart.com/Oil-Paint-Brushes-Brushes,Natural.utrecht
Big-John
Joined: August 12, 2010
KitMaker: 731 posts
Armorama: 711 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 22, 2012 - 01:18 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Hey
There are different types of paint brushes, and it really depends on the medium you plan on using with x paint brush. The three main mediums of paint artists use are:
1. acrylics
2. watercolor
3. oil
For oil paints, hog hair is usually used, although synthetics are popular; for acrylics, mainly synthetic; for watercolor, its usually synthetic although traditional brushes are made from sable (very expensive).
Some have suggested the Windsor & Newton 7 series brushes; very expensive but high quality. These brushes are used for watercolor and gouache paints, although I've seen them used with hobby paints such as acrylics? I personally would NEVER use my artist quality brushes with hobby paints, because they are too expensive to ruin. In my opinion, the best brushes for this hobby are the cheaper synthetic variety; they retain paint well, hold a good point and are inexpensive to replace.
So in my opinion, the best brushes are the cheap brushes. However, if you are looking for the best quality, natural hair brushes are the best?
I am assuming hobby paints behave similarly to watercolor, although I have never used mine with hobby paints. Regardless, I would recommend Escoda synthetic brushes... Windsor & Newton synthetic brushes are okay.
Thats funny, I have been using the same 3 W&N series 7 brushes for years with Hobby Enamals and oils. They include sizes 00, 0, and 1. They are the first thing I grab when detail painting. They can be bought for under $10.00 each at some of the online art supply web sites. Just think of how many "cheap" brushes you go through in a couple of years and add that cost up.
Metal_blast
Joined: January 31, 2008
KitMaker: 199 posts
Armorama: 188 posts
Posted: Monday, January 23, 2012 - 04:33 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Thats funny, I have been using the same 3 W&N series 7 brushes for years with Hobby Enamals and oils. They include sizes 00, 0, and 1. They are the first thing I grab when detail painting. They can be bought for under $10.00 each at some of the online art supply web sites. Just think of how many "cheap" brushes you go through in a couple of years and add that cost up.
Hey
I have not bought artist's supplies in a long time, but I do remember a while back when I was searching for Windsor & Newton series 7 brushes that they were indeed cheap online. When I used to paint a lot (I switched canvas for plastic now) I used to go to my local artist's supply store; I guess they gouged and charged retail or marked-up prices. Whatever the case, I might invest in some of these... could you provide any links to some discount artist's supply store?
Thank you.
Big-John
Joined: August 12, 2010
KitMaker: 731 posts
Armorama: 711 posts
Posted: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 - 12:01 AM UTC
Ouch, looks like I need to eat my words! I just checked the online price, and they did go up a bit. Some times they have sales that you might be able to catch them under $10.00 each. They are ranging from $11.00 - $15.00 for the sizes I use. But like I said, I have been using the same 3 brushes for years, so its well worth the money.
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/brushes-and-palette-knives/watercolor-brushes/winsor-and-newton-water-colour-brushes/winsor-and-newton-series-7-watercolor-brushes.htm
http://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-series-7-kolinsky-sable-pointed-round/
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/brushes-and-palette-knives/watercolor-brushes/winsor-and-newton-water-colour-brushes/winsor-and-newton-series-7-watercolor-brushes.htm
http://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-series-7-kolinsky-sable-pointed-round/
pseudorealityx
Joined: January 31, 2010
KitMaker: 2,191 posts
Armorama: 1,814 posts
Posted: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 - 12:26 AM UTC
Jon334
Joined: January 24, 2012
KitMaker: 27 posts
Armorama: 7 posts
Posted: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 - 12:50 AM UTC
If you can afford them then the Winsor and Newton Series 7 are definately the best. I have been using some Creative Models Red Kolinskies recently and they seem to last pretty well and are a good price;
http://www.creativemodels.co.uk/brushes_creative_models_brushes-c-5_8_145.html?oscsid=6ebfd651d8fcc43887f218b0c85cc5f5
http://www.creativemodels.co.uk/brushes_creative_models_brushes-c-5_8_145.html?oscsid=6ebfd651d8fcc43887f218b0c85cc5f5
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