Watercolor brushes – what do you know about them?
På SvenskaA little quiz about watercolor brushes, a passing score is 6 out of 10 questions answered correctly (60%). The questions may be perceived as difficult, but you who read this blog are knowledgeable.
#1. A common type of binding of the brush hairs is in a metal ferrule (top brush in the picture), this type of binding is sometimes called English binding. Another common type of binding is with quill (now plastic) and metal wire (bottom brush), which country has given its name to this type of binding?
The binding with metal wire and quill is called French binding, in English sometimes Mop. So France is the correct answer.
#2. What is the name given to the finest type of sable brushes?
The finest type of sable brushes is made from the tail hairs of the Siberian Kolinsky (Mustela sibirica), renowned for their exceptional spring, fine point, and superior water retention. Widely regarded as the finest natural hair for watercolor. The rare Taimyr Kolinsky, sourced from the Taimyr Peninsula, is considered particularly exquisite.”
#3. What is the type of brush in the picture called? A narrow brush with long bristles.
The brush is called a “rigger”, another name could be “liner” – it is intended for painting long, thin and continuous lines.
#4. You can use cleaning agents to wash brushes, which of the following is recommended for watercolor brushes.
Soft soap is a good cleaning agent, but other natural soaps also work. Avoid synthetic soaps, Dishwashing liquid, and definitely not strong solvents like turpentine or white spirit.
#5. Why are watercolor brushes shorter than brushes designed for oil and acrylic?
Watercolor is often painted close to the paper, so short-handled brushes are standard. Shorter handles give better control close to the paper and are easier to balance when making small movements; long handles are more used for easel painting where the distance is greater.
#6. One of the following natural hairs is NOT used for watercolor brushes. The others are more or less common, but do exist. Which hair type is not used?
Hog bristle is a natural hair that is not used for watercolor brushes. Hog bristle is too coarse and stiff for watercolor painting, which requires soft, flexible brushes that can hold a lot of water. All other hair types are found as watercolor brushes.
#7. The picture shows a Hake brush, a fairly common tool for watercolor. In which country did the brush originate?
Hake is a traditional Japanese brush made of goat hair and has a wooden handle. Also used for watercolor.
#8. What is a brush like the one in the picture called?
The correct answer is Sword striper. A traditional brush used for line and decorative painting on, for example, vehicles, signs, furniture, etc. The brush looks like a sword and is intended for painting long, ornamented lines, hence the name. Commonly used as a watercolor brush, also available with a long handle.
- Spotter is a miniature brush intended for detail work.
- Mop is a large round brush with soft hair intended for painting large surfaces.
- Batik brush is a brush intended for applying wax when batik, as watercolor brush is usually with squirrel or ferret hair, similar to a mop.
- Mottler brush is a wide, flat brush that is mainly used for spreading paint on larger surfaces, such as doors, cabinet doors or tables. Used in watercolor to paint large surfaces or as a tool for stretching watercolour paper.
- Sash brush is often round but sometimes flat. Linseed oil paint is often painted with a painter on joinery such as window frames, beams and moldings.
#9. Isabey is a well-known brand of watercolor brushes known for their high quality and artisanal manufacturing. In which country are their brushes manufactured?
Isabey has a reputation for being the most luxurious and handcrafted option for watercolor brushes. They make few series, but they are top-notch. Founded in 1895 in France and still manufactured there.
#10. Which brush material is known to hold the most water but lacks elasticity and snap?
A squirrel hair watercolor brush is the type of brush that holds the most liquid, the disadvantage is its lack of stiffness, it is very soft.
