MORE ABOUT BRUSHES

SIZES & TYPES

• Brushes come in sizes. Artists' brushes are graded by number: the higher the number, the larger the brush. A size 2 brush is bigger than a size 1, for instance. Citadel brushes are graded by name: "Fine Detail brush" is an example.
• For miniatures, you will need brushes designed specially for modeling (like Citadel brushes) or any brushes suitable for watercolour or acrylic painting. Brushes for oil colour painting tend to be large and flat – not much good for tiny areas of colour.
• Within the range of Citadel brushes, you can find some that are specially designed for specific tasks, such as drybrushing and painting tanks.

BUYING A BRUSH

• You can buy paint brushes from stationers, art suppliers, modeling shops, and of course, Games Workshop stores and Mail Order.
• Try to find a shop that offers a good selection, so you can compare the different types, and pick one that suits both your requirements and your budget.
• Cheap brushes are made from artificial hair like nylon. Brushes made from a hair/nylon mix cost a little more, but the best brushes are real animal hair, such as sable, camel, or squirrel. These brushes are also the most expensive!
• When you have found a range you like, pick out a few brushes of the size you want and compare them. Look for a brush that comes to a nice point, without any stray hairs sticking out at funny angles.
• Good quality brushes are usually protected by a clear plastic guard. If you remove this guard to inspect the brush, remember to replace it carefully afterwards.
• It's worth spending a bit more on good quality brushes – they are easier to paint with, and if you look after them properly, they will last a long time.

LOOKING AFTER YOUR BRUSHES

• When you're painting, try not to let the paint get too far up the brush. The old paint will clog up the base of the brush and you'll find it won't form such a good tip.
• Use the right brush for the job – if you're painting a large area of flat colour, applying a PVA wash for basing, or drybrushing, don't use your best detail brush!
• Either set aside specific brushes for certain tasks, or keep a selection of old/cheap brushes for "rough" tasks. When you've finished painting, clean your brushes in clean water and store them somewhere safe, like upright in a jar or lying down in a container.

Many people store their brushes in an old mug, jam jar, or similar container.

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