Brush Filaments
Kolinsky: Kolinsky sable brushes are the finest available. Made from the tail of a type of mink found in remote parts of Russia and northern China, Kolinsky hair is unsurpassed in its spring, and Kolinsky sable brushes set the standard by which all other brushes are judged.
Red Sable: These brushes are made from any red haired critter in the weasel family. Quality varies greatly, but generally sable creates wonderfully smooth flat strokes with lots of spring. Red sable brushes hold their natural shape well and will carry ample amounts of pigments.
Sabeline: Sabeline is a high quality ox hair sometimes dyed to look like red sable. Sabeline brushes are less expensive than red sables and maintain similar characteristics.
Ox Hair: Ox hair comes from the rim of the ears from several varieties of cattle and boar. Ox hair brushes are soft and hold plenty of liquid but lack a fine tip.
 
Bristle: Bristle brushes are noticeably stiffer than other brush families and are popular for oil painting. Made from pig and boar hair, the natural tip of each hair is forked and split like a twig. Because of this, these brushes hold paint well but challenge the making of a sharp edge.
Camel Hair: Despite its name, camel hair does not come from camel. The name actually refers to a range of squirrel, goat or pony hair. The soft hairs of camel brushes will absorb a lot of liquid but can be difficult to control. Some camel hair brushes are categorized as school grade and are extremely affordable.
Synthetics: Today’s technology has given us many types of synthetic brushes, most nylon or polyester, which simulate the natural characteristics of hair. Synthetic brushes are usually less expensive, easier to clean and less prone to breakage than natural hair. Blends of natural and synthetic hairs are also available, combining the softness and absorbency of natural hairs with the point and spring of synthetics.
Watercolor Brushes
(shop watercolor brushes) One of the greatest things about watercolors is that you only need three or four brushes to start. Brushes are measured in size from 0000 (smallest) to 14 (largest). Synthetic or soft hair brushes work the best with watercolor. To clean your brushes, it is best to simply use water. An occasional dab of dish soap is O.K., but if used too often it will damage the bristles.
