Brush materials are varied, mainly including natural wool and synthetic fibers two categories. The following is a detailed introduction to the common painting brush materials:
Natural wool
1. Pig bristle:
– Features: Bristle is one of the most commonly used natural hair materials in oil painting brushes, its rigidity and elasticity are moderate, can easily apply large areas of paint, and leave clear strokes on the canvas. The advantage of the bristle is that it absorbs oil and can evenly absorb and release the oil in the oil paint, so that the picture presents a rich sense of layer.
– Use: Suitable for painters who like thick oil painting style, it is also often used for controlling thick pigments and large-area painting in wall painting.
2. Wolf’s hair:
– Features: Wolf hair is soft and delicate, excellent oil absorption performance, can easily control the oil in the oil paint, so that the brush stroke is more smooth and natural. In addition, the Wolf also has strong elasticity and toughness, and can maintain a stable stroke width and strength during the painting process.
– Use: Suitable for fine painting and characterization, is the ideal choice for painting details and line expression. At the same time, the soft texture of the Wolf hair in the water chalk is also suitable for delicate painting and smooth strokes.
3. Mink hair:
– Features: Mink hair is a rare natural hair that has excellent softness and elasticity, allowing for easy application of delicate strokes and rich color variations. The oil absorption of mink hair is very strong, and it can quickly absorb and evenly distribute the oil in oil paints.
– Use: Expensive and difficult to obtain, mink hair is usually only used to make high-end custom oil painting brushes, favored by painters seeking extreme picture quality.
4. Cow hair:
– Features: cow hair is a kind of rough and hard natural hair, strong rigidity and elasticity, suitable for applying a large area of heavy pigments. Its oil absorption performance is good, and it can maintain a stable oil absorption state during the painting process.
– Uses: For painters who like bold colors and bold styles, cow hair is an option worth considering.
5. Other natural hair:
– Goat hair, horse hair, yellow Wolf hair, grey rat hair, etc. These natural hair have their own unique softness, powder catching ability and durability, suitable for different types of painting and makeup needs.
Synthetic fibre
1. Nylon wool:
– Features: Nylon wool is a high-quality synthetic wool made from man-made fibers that has been specially treated to enhance its oil absorption and elasticity. The oil absorption performance of nylon wool is stable and easy to clean, and can maintain good shape and elasticity after repeated use.
– Uses: For painters on a budget or who need to use a lot of oil brushes, nylon wool is a cost-effective option. At the same time, nylon brushes are favored in wall painting because of their good elasticity and smooth coloring, although sometimes there is a problem that the bristles do not absorb material.
2. Other synthetic fibers:
– There are other oil painting brushes and makeup brushes made of synthetic fibers available on the market. These synthetic fibers are often specially treated to enhance their performance, and while the oil absorption may be slightly less effective than natural brushes and high-quality synthetic brushes, they are relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain and replace.
Special material
In addition to the above common natural wool and synthetic fiber materials, there are also some special materials to choose from, such as feathers, sponges or strips of cloth. These special materials usually have a unique oil absorption and stroke effect, which can bring unexpected surprises and creativity to the picture. However, because they are difficult to produce and not easy to control, they are usually only suitable for artists with a certain amount of painting experience and skills to try to use.
To sum up, there are a variety of painting brush materials, each material has its own unique advantages and applicable scenes. When choosing a painting brush, the painter or makeup artist should make a comprehensive consideration according to their needs and budget to choose the most suitable tool for them.