Which brushes are suitable for model making?

The brush is one of the most important tools in model building, and almost every modeler will quickly amass a large collection of brushes of different shapes and sizes. It is known that everyone has their own preference for brush type and method. Investigating the question of which brushes are suitablefor you in model making is one of the best challenges of model making.

Model Building: What makes a good brush?

There is no doubt that brushes vary enormously in quality and cheap brushes are usually of lower quality, which often reflects in the end result. The most important factor for the quality of brushes is the type of hair used. In a good quality brush, the bristles naturally form a point and have good resilience. Good brushes also hold more paint and deliver that paint consistently instead of immediately leaving all the paint in one spot.

Natural hair or synthetic - Which brushes are popular in model making

Traditionally, brushes are made from different types of natural hair or synthetic hair. The bristles can be soft or stiff depending on the intended use. Synthetic hair brushes have been available for some time now. Initially, synthetic brushes were of questionable quality and the only advantage they had over natural hair was that synthetic brushes were cheaper. However, synthetic brushes have improved tremendously over the years and can now compete with the best natural hair in quality and price.

The type of hair often determines which brush to use for model making

Which brushes are suitable for model making often depends on the hair from which the brush is made. Below is a list of the most popular natural bristles from which a model making brush can be made:

1. A brush of sable hair is considered a favourite by many. It is made from the tail hairs of a marten. Sable hair has a natural pointed tip. This means that when used as a brush, it naturally forms a point so that fine lines can be drawn. Sable brushes are usually the most expensive, but they lastknown for their softness, suppleness, fineness and durability.
2. Cheaper than sable hair squirrel hairs. These brushes are soft, but not very springy.
3. Pig bristles is used in brushes that need to be hard and resilient and is traditionally used for oil and acrylic paints. These are often not suitable for model making.
4. Oxhair makes strong, springy brushes. It can be mixed with other hair, such as squirrel hair, to obtain ideal properties. Mixed brushes can give good results and be inexpensive.
5. Animal-friendly synthetic brushes, do you want to paint in an animal-friendly way? Then choose synthetic ones that are not made from animal hair.

Frequently asked questions