Brush for layering

[wrestlerguy21]

I currently have a few series 7 brushes that are smaller and I really like them (but I am open to whatever). I am now looking for a good brush for layering (blending). I find that the small brushes (in diameter) leave brush strokes or are more time consuming. A larger brush tends to be a bit long (but correct diameter), and the snap of the length, makes it harder to control.

I am thinking that I need something that is a bit larger in circumference but short? Any experienced painters have any ideas? Could you let me know what brand and size is working for you? I would be using this brush for some flesh tones, and layering on larger objects (swords, shield etc.).

LOL there are a ton to choose from and looking online is not working out.

Thanks

 

[Lyuun]

well, i use this line of really, really cheap brushes from "Clahs ohlson" (a chain of hardware stores in scandinavia) and i've tried some really expensive ones aswell, but frankly, i don't see any difference on the model! while yes, it may feel a bit different, i find it doesn't really matter, the quality of it. i find the most important about brushes is that you know the way they act. that you know how the brush bends when you push so and so hard. that you know how much paint comes of with the various pressures.

as for brush models, i primarily use 3 (+1) brushes. one all rounder, one fine detail and one heavier (plus one that i use for glue and stuff...). i find this sufficient, and though i have more brushes, these are the only ones that i actually use...

Brand and shape of the brush isn't all that important. The important this is that the brush feels like an extension of your arm. just try different things, but settle on something.

 

[Crayfish]

I just use "cheap" kolinsky sable brushes around 2 to 000, and I also use Davinci Maestro I believe they are called. But the cheap brushes are the best I've tried, because they have a lot of springyness in them, they are quite stiff and not as soft as the davinci. I find that the number 2 brush is really REALLY big for miniature painting, but they do a pretty good job when I put down the first coat of paint. However I mainly use my 00 brush for everything.

If you want a good brush I think you have to do alot of testing... And also try to buy new brushes once in a while, since brushes are the cornerstone of any painting its a good idea to have them in good shape and have something you are comfortable with. Buying from the internet is not ideal as you cant look at them (Usually the sizes vary) and try them. Go to your local arts and craft store and ask for Kolinsky sable watercolour brushes and look and ask to try them or something...

 

[Einion]

Larger brushes are definitely a good idea for acrylics and vinyl paint, in addition to helping reduce or eliminate brushstrokes of the type you're having problems with they hold more paint and therefore dry out much less slowly than a teeny brush.

Within reason nearly any round can be used for painting miniatures and there are lots of prior threads with recommendations and suggestions on brands and specific ranges. I like to use Kolinsky as much as possible but there's no reason you can't just go with some cheaper synthetics like golden taklon (the very common amber-coloured synthetics) for the bulk of painting, keeping your best brushes for doing fine detail only. But some mini painters use nothing but synthetics.

For general painting of minis rounds can pretty much be all you need, but one option you might want to consider for larger areas is a filbert (sometimes called a langue du chat or cat's tongue).

I don't know where you're based but if you're in the US and want to order online then Dick Blick, MisterArt, Pearl, Cheap Joe's are all worth a look to compare prices. CMON also sells some good brush lines. Some options:
http://www.coolminiornot.com/store/section.php?xSec=147&xPage=1
http://www.coolminiornot.com/store/section.php?xSec=115&xPage=1
http://www.dickblick.com/products/da-vinci-maestro-kolinsky-brushes/
http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-master-kolinsky-sable-short-handle-brushes/
http://www.dickblick.com/products/raphael-golden-kaerell-short-handle-brushes/
http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-masterstroke-golden-taklon-short-handle-brushes/

Einion

 

[wrestlerguy21]

Thanks for the info so far.

One issue is that I dont have a good craft/hobby store near by so I would like to order online. The sizing is difficult obviously. I was hoping to get a couple brands and size numbers from those who have had success with a particular brush. If someone could recoomend a few to try that would be great.


Thanks again

 

[Einion]

Of the expensive ones, I've used the da Vincis and the Blick Master Series that I linked to. Both are extremely good.

When it comes to synthetics there's much less variation IME, once you getting a decent brand they tend to be about as good as any.

Einion

 

[wrestlerguy21]

Cool. I will test them out and let you know how they work out.

 

[Lyuun]

oh, and yes. i prefer to to use synthetics only. i rather need that stiff springiness. i find the different "organic" ones become too bendy and let the paint in a manner that i don't like. but then again, it's all about preferences eh?

 

[Einion]

oh, and yes. i prefer to to use synthetics only. i rather need that stiff springiness. i find the different "organic" ones become too bendy and let the paint in a manner that i don't like.

Some Kolinsky brushes would have greater spring than nylon or polyester brushes (in addition to having better capillary action and a far superior point).

Einion

 

[forge]

great job nice guy

 

[Lyuun]

i see. i haven't tried kolisnky. actually, i don't know if they're even available here. but i'll look into it.
whatever enhances the results is worth looking into!