| Brushes are the most important painter's tools. | | | | Because how well a brush is cared for effects |
| Buying brushes is not just a random decision, but | | | | how long the brush will last, extra effort put in to |
| one that should be made carefully. Selection of | | | | properly care for these important tools will be well |
| brushes is personal and is based upon needs and | | | | worth the time. All brushes will eventually wear |
| level of investment desired. Because a brush will | | | | out and will then need to be replaced, but |
| only last as well as it is cared for, proper cleaning | | | | lengthening the span of time before that is |
| and storage of brushes is probably even more | | | | necessary will help the budget. Cleaning is crucial |
| important than the decision of what brush to buy. | | | | to extending the life of a brush. Each brush should |
| Because no matter how wonderful a brush is, if it | | | | be cleaned immediately after use. Use a mild soap |
| is abused it will quickly be discarded. | | | | and clean in the palm of the hand. Rinse |
| Types of Brushes | | | | thoroughly and when water runs clear, lay the |
| The hair of the brush is what primarily denotes | | | | brush flat to dry. It should not be left vertical to |
| what type of brush it is and it's purpose. Although | | | | dry as this will cause water to be pulled into the |
| natural hair brushes usually cost more, they do | | | | handle and will ultimately cause the handle to |
| not all create the same results. Sable hair brushes | | | | loosen and the brush will no longer be usable. Paint |
| are probably the most popular brushes. They are | | | | brushes should never be left sitting in a glass of |
| soft haired brushes that move the paint easily | | | | water. Other than the effect it will have on the |
| and keep their point. Sable brushes are great for | | | | handle, it will crush the bristles. If the brushes are |
| watercolor. Hog hair is also used to make brushes, | | | | soaked, use a brush container that will suspend |
| but has a very different effect with media. Hog | | | | them and only fill the water to soak the bristles |
| hair brushes are stiff brushes for heavy paint and | | | | and not the ferrule or handle. After the paint |
| will leave brush strokes behind. They have spilt | | | | brush is cleaned and dried it may be stored |
| ends and hold more paint and are used in oil | | | | upright, or in a flat brush holder. Cleaning brushes |
| painting. Synthetic brushes are also common for | | | | is not only done at the end of a painting session, |
| artists to use. These are generally less expensive, | | | | but should be done as needed. As a person is |
| but still produce quality work. Paint brushes are an | | | | painting, effort should be made to keep paint |
| artist tools and several different types are | | | | away from the ferrule of the brush, but inevitably |
| needed depending on the project and desired | | | | will naturally be drawn up the brush. As the paint |
| result sought. More expensive brushes keep their | | | | gets close to the ferrule, it should then be cleaned. |
| shape after a stroke and do not fishtail or bend | | | | This is to prevent the paint from getting under |
| when paint is applied to paper or canvas and | | | | the ferrule and drying there. Natural hair brushes |
| therefore have a more professional result. Less | | | | also need to be conditioned on a regular basis. |
| expensive brushes may be suited for some jobs, | | | | There are paint brush soaps that come with |
| especially when used in crafts and with products | | | | conditioners in them, or conditioner can be bought |
| like glue. The other factor identifying a brush is | | | | separately. |
| the handle. Traditionally long handled brushes are | | | | Make the investment of brushes one that will be |
| used for oil painting because the artist is standing | | | | used wisely. The results that a good paint brush |
| at an easel. Shorter handled brushes are for | | | | produces are worth the initial cost, but only if the |
| watercolor and acrylics because the artist is sitting | | | | effort is made to care for them and extend the |
| and painting in greater detail. | | | | value of the investment. |
| Cleaning and Care for Brushes | | | | |