Fan-shaped brushes

Brushes, Continued Fan-shaped brushes Fan-shaped brushes have their bristles spread out at the tip. Fan-shaped brushes are relatively new and work well with washes and large areas of pigment. Fan-shaped brushes also work well as blenders. Their bristles are often made from synthetic materials and are very durable. You can use fan- shaped brushes with any pigment. Round-shaped brushes Round-shaped brushes are normally made with sable or synthetic material. The round shape of the bristles hold more pigment than flatter brushes. The size of brushes varies; but, even the larger brushes are responsive to an experienced painter. Flat brushes Flat-shaped brushes are called flats. Flats have long bristles with a square- cut tip. It is difficult to apply paint with flat bristles because of the elasticity of the bristle. Flats are better suited for fluid strokes and blending. Flats will work well with any pigment. Bright brushes Brushes called brights also have a square-cut tip, but a shorter bristle length than a flat. The relatively short bristle of brights allows the painter to readily apply and maneuver pigment over a surface. Brights work well with any pigment. Brush size The size of a brush is written on the ferrule or handle of the brush. The bristle capacity of the ferrule determines brush size. Manufacturers use different size indicators, but they are generally numeric beginning with No. 00000 as the smallest. Ferrule The ferrule is the sleeve that binds the bristle to a brush handle. The sleeve may be made from metal, plastics, or natural quill. Some oriental brushes use copper wire. The ferrule is the most vulnerable point of the brush. Residual pigments and solvents tend to collect at the ferrule and accelerate deterioration. Bristles become brittle and break at the ferrule. Continued on next page l-28