Artist Intel

Fast 5 Favorites:  Brush Basics-Synthetic vs Natural Bristles

Written by: Jammin Jane

Passionate about painting?  Me too.  In my opinion, there is no such thing as too many artist paint brushes! Getting a good variety of bristles in your kit is essential.  Developing a brush stroke can be an important part of a  style. Knowing what kind of brush to use will impact the end result of your piece. 

Lets breakdown the basics for investing in some great art brushes:

Synthetic Bristle : Look for brushes made from high-quality synthetic fibers designed to mimic the characteristics of natural bristles. These fibers should be soft, yet resilient, with good spring and shape retention.  

• Versatility: Synthetic brushes can be used with both oil-based and water-based paints. Choose brushes that are suitable for a variety of mediums and techniques. A versatile brush can handle different viscosities of paint and various surfaces, making it a valuable tool in your art kit. 
• Durability: They tend to last longer than natural bristle brushes, especially when used with water-based paints, as they don't swell or lose shape; opt for brushes with sturdy construction including securely fastened bristles and a well-designed ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles). A brush with a durable handle that provides a comfortable grip is also essential for longevity. Poor quality brushes often lose their hairs.
• Ease of Cleaning: Synthetic brushes are easier to clean since they don't absorb paint as much as natural bristle brushes do. They can often be cleaned with just soap and water in the kitchen sink and typically require less effort to clean compared to natural bristle brushes. Synthetic bristles hold less water or paint within the bristles are often easier to rinse thoroughly.
• Odor: Plain water is used to keep the brush fresh while painting so no odor

Fast 5 Synthetic Bristles:

Sourced from Amazon-Who doesn't like free shipping!

1. Artist Professional Brush Set with 25 pieces
2. Flat Wash 1" Brush
   
3. Round synthetic blend brush
4. Filbert edge short handle in various sizes or long wood handle
5. Paddle Brush in 3 sizes

Natural Bristle : Look for brushes made from premium natural bristles, such as hog, ox, or sable hair, depending on your painting needs. The bristles should be well-selected for their uniformity in length and thickness, ensuring consistent performance. Natural bristle brushes should strike a balance between softness and resilience. They should feel smooth on the canvas or surface while maintaining enough stiffness to provide control and precision in your strokes.

• Ideal Versatility : Natural bristle brushes are traditionally preferred for oil and water based paint because the bristles are porous and can hold more paint, allowing for smoother application.

  Natural bristle brushes should have good paint retention capabilities, allowing you to load the brush with paint for extended periods without frequent reloading. This quality is particularly essential for oil painting, where large amounts of paint are often used. Natural bristle brushes are more absorbent than synthetic ones, which can be beneficial for some painting styles but can also lead to more paint wastage.
• Texture and Finish: They tend to have a greater variety in textured finish and are more flexible than synthetic ones, which can be desirable for certain painting techniques or styles.
• Durability: Most often natural bristles are designed to withstand harsh chemicals. Choose brushes with sturdy construction, including securely fastened bristles and a well-designed ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles). A brush with a durable handle made from quality wood.
• Ease of Cleaning: When using oil based paints the brush will require a two step cleaning. First with a solvent wash in a container containing mineral spirits or turpentine to remove most of the paint absorbed in the bristles. The dirty solvent should not be poured down the sink. Follow with a lathered soap and water wash to remove odor. An occasional drop of conditioner can then be used to keep the hairs from becoming brittle over time. Next shape the bristles by hand into the original shape and then allow the brush to air dry in a flat position.
• Odor: Brushes with oil paint can be sitting in a solvent which can give off a strong odor.

Fast 5 Natural Bristles:

Sourced from Amazon-Who doesn't like free shipping!

1. Professional Artist Animal Hair 35 piece set
2. 5" wide Flat large area Goat for water color only
3. Short Handle Sable Sword Liner
4. Natural Hog Bristle

Other considerations:

Performance: Look for synthetic brushes that offer good paint pickup and release, allowing for smooth and consistent application. Brushes with a fine tip or edge are particularly useful for detailed work.

Texture and Finish: Consider the type of texture and finish you want to achieve in your artwork. Different natural bristle brushes can create various textures, from smooth to textured finishes, depending on the length, thickness, and shape of the bristles.

Brand Reputation: Choose brushes from reputable brands known for their commitment to quality craftsmanship and materials. Established brands often have a long history of producing reliable art supplies and may offer a range of  bristle brushes tailored to different painting techniques and preferences

 that meet the needs of artists across different skill levels.

Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations from other artists to gauge the performance and durability of specific brush models. Personal experiences from fellow artists can provide valuable insights into the suitability of any kind of brush for your artistic needs.