TYPES OF PAINTBRUSHES
There are 2 major types of paint brushes and here’s a guide on how to select which one will work for you:
SYNTHETIC BRISTLE BRUSHES
Synthetic brushes have bristles made of synthetic materials such as nylon. Its bristles come in various colors depending on the material used.
PROS:
- less expensive
- available in most bookstores
- good for beginners
CONS:
- prone to tip hooking or it doesn't retain shape over time
- can either be too soft or too stiff
- holds lesser paint, more reloading
NATURAL BRISTLE BRUSHES
Natural brushes have bristles made of animal hair. The most common type of natural brush being used for miniature painting is the Kolinsky brush.
PROS:
- retains shape and point well with proper care
- holds more paint, less reloading
- has the right stiffness
- used by professionals
CONS:
- can be very expensive
- hard to find, can only be bought from art supplies stores
BRUSH SIZES
The most useful brush size for painting miniatures is a pointed round with a size #0, #1, or #2. For professional or hobby level quality paint jobs, these brush sizes give you the best versatility, providing you with a good balance between paint capacity (e.g., brush belly size) and precision for fine details.