Brushes

[Ensis Ferrae]

So. . .simple question with obviously not so simple answers.

What do you all use for brushes, as its something that we inevitably constantly cycle through during projects.  Currently, Ive been using my Citadel brushes from my time with Games Workshop models, but I find that when using Tamiya and Model Masters paints, they just don't hold up at all (and I'd rather keep these brushes in decent shape for the GW stuff).

I recognize that I personally can be rather tough on brushes, I don't exactly want to spend a ton, but I also don't want the super cheap $1 for a 20 pack brushes either. . . Needs to keep a point for detail work, but also not massively fray after the first couple uses.

[BigTallDad]

What are you using to clean your brushes?

[Phirewriter]

Also, and this comes from an artist background, it's generally a good idea to have a set of brushes for solvent and one for acrylic. No matter how well you clean them, there's always a little residual paint left on them. Using different paints can sometimes cause them to gum up and deteriorate, especially on finer detail brushes. 

Edited December 15, 2018 by Phirewriter

[Miatatom]

9 hours ago, Phirewriter said:

it's generally a good idea to have a set of brushes for solvent and one for acrylic. 

That's a good tip. I buy my brushes from Michaels. They have many different brands and styles.

[TarheelRick]

I have picked up a few from Hobby Lobby, they will put them on sale for 50% off quite regularly.  Their selection is very good.

[Belugawrx]

I find that sable bristle brushes stand up to use better than polyester. And yep, Michaels is my go to for new ones, their selection is incredible.

[BigTallDad]

7 hours ago, Miatatom said:

That's a good tip. I buy my brushes from Michaels. They have many different brands and styles.

Michael's also gives a discount (every day) to Veterans. Just show them proof of service, such as an ID, DD-214, etc. I carry a reduced-size copy of my discharge and DD-214 in my wallet.

[Ensis Ferrae]

23 hours ago, BigTallDad said:

What are you using to clean your brushes?

Typically through the week I'll use the sing to clean the brushes, and then about once a week or so (sometimes more often if the paint load has been heavy) I'll run everything through Master's Brush cleaner

[BigTallDad]

As a suggestion, purchase a pediatric toothbrush (these have the softest bristles) at your local pharmacy. When cleaning the paintbrush, use the toothbrush to help brush the paint out of the bristles, particularly the bristles near the ferrule.