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Brushes are the most important painter's
tools. Buying brushes is not just a random decision,
but one that should be made carefully. Selection of
brushes is personal and is based upon needs and level
of investment desired. Because a brush will only last
as well as it is cared for, proper cleaning and storage
of brushes is probably even more important than the
decision of what brush to buy. Because no matter how
wonderful a brush is, if it is abused it will quickly
be discarded.
Types of Brushes
The hair of the brush is what primarily
denotes what type of brush it is and it's purpose. Although
natural hair brushes usually cost more, they do not
all create the same results. Sable hair brushes are
probably the most popular brushes. They are soft haired
brushes that move the paint easily and keep their point.
Sable brushes are great for watercolor. Hog hair is
also used to make brushes, but has a very different
effect with media. Hog hair brushes are stiff brushes
for heavy paint and will leave brush strokes behind.
They have spilt ends and hold more paint and are used
in oil painting. Synthetic brushes are also common for
artists to use. These are generally less expensive,
but still produce quality work. Paint brushes are an
artist tools and several different types are needed
depending on the project and desired result sought.
More expensive brushes keep their shape after a stroke
and do not fishtail or bend when paint is applied to
paper or canvas and therefore have a more professional
result. Less expensive brushes may be suited for some
jobs, especially when used in crafts and with products
like glue. The other factor identifying a brush is the
handle. Traditionally long handled brushes are used
for oil painting because the artist is standing at an
easel. Shorter handled brushes are for watercolor and
acrylics because the artist is sitting and painting
in greater detail.
Cleaning and Care for Brushes
Because how well a brush is cared for
effects how long the brush will last, extra effort put
in to properly care for these important tools will be
well worth the time. All brushes will eventually wear
out and will then need to be replaced, but lengthening
the span of time before that is necessary will help
the budget. Cleaning is crucial to extending the life
of a brush. Each brush should be cleaned immediately
after use. Use a mild soap and clean in the palm of
the hand. Rinse thoroughly and when water runs clear,
lay the brush flat to dry. It should not be left vertical
to dry as this will cause water to be pulled into the
handle and will ultimately cause the handle to loosen
and the brush will no longer be usable. Paint brushes
should never be left sitting in a glass of water. Other
than the effect it will have on the handle, it will
crush the bristles. If the brushes are soaked, use a
brush container that will suspend them and only fill
the water to soak the bristles and not the ferrule or
handle. After the paint brush is cleaned and dried it
may be stored upright, or in a flat brush holder. Cleaning
brushes is not only done at the end of a painting session,
but should be done as needed. As a person is painting,
effort should be made to keep paint away from the ferrule
of the brush, but inevitably will naturally be drawn
up the brush. As the paint gets close to the ferrule,
it should then be cleaned. This is to prevent the paint
from getting under the ferrule and drying there. Natural
hair brushes also need to be conditioned on a regular
basis. There are paint brush soaps that come with conditioners
in them, or conditioner can be bought separately.
Make the investment of brushes one
that will be used wisely. The results that a good paint
brush produces are worth the initial cost, but only
if the effort is made to care for them and extend the
value of the investment.
About the Author:
Emma Snow is a creator at Craft Kits http://www.craft-kits.net
leading portals for crafts and creative individuals.
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