Share this page. The majority of paints designed to be used on plastic models fall in to two categories, Enamels and Acrylics. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages, but most modellers tend to have a preference based on what they are trying to achieve and how they intended to apply the paint. Mar 29, 2021 The material for the best toilet brushes varies. Handles will be made from either plastic or stainless steel. Steel ones will be more durable and look more elegant but they are more expensive and may rust over time. Plastic will give you a better variety of colors but may not last as long. I just discovered your site about a week ago. I was looking for info on brush painting Model Master Acrylics, and stumbled across your site. I’ve been enjoying reading thru your posts. I’ve mainly given up the airbrush since moving 5 years ago, its still packed up form the move. Mainly spray cans and brushes these days.

Brushes are an essential part of being a wargaming hobbyist (or just painting miniatures in general).

When you buy your first brushes, go for something that is cheap and readily available. You will almost certainly ruin your first set of brushes, so make it sure it did not cost you a fortune.

When you have painted your first few models (like 20+ or something) you might be ready to upgrade to something better.

But remember this: expensive brushes will not make you a better painter. Quality tools are important but in the beginning, you cannot feel the difference between a good tool and a crappy/mediocre tool. Go for cheap quantity first and expensive quality later.

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Affiliate links might occur on this page.

This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Read more about our affiliate links here.

Two Different Types of Brushes for Miniature Painting: Synthetic vs Natural hair

In general, you have 2 kinds of brushes. 1. Brushes where the bristle is made of natural hair. 2 Brushes where the bristle is made of some kind of synthetical material.

Advantages of natural hair:

1. Retains water and paint a lot better while painting (it can hold more paint inside the bristles/belly). This means longer working time and less time spent getting the paint back in the brush.
2. The natural hair is more durable and will hold the point better (it can hold a point for many years with proper care). A good natural hair brush will last way longer than a synthetic brush.

Advantages of synthetic hair:

1. Less prone to damage from paint (acrylic paint is actually quite hard on natural hair)
2. A lot easier to clean than natural hair
3. Less expensive (since you do need to get the hair from a rare mink or some weird stuff like that).

6 Things to Look For In a Miniature Brush

1. The Ability to Hold a Point and Retain the Shape Over Time: The point/tip on your brush is super important. Over time the brush can wear down, and the point of the brush will start to split. I have some brushes that I can paint with a for a few minutes and after that, the point insists on splitting in two (making it unusable for fine detail work and just a real paint).
2. Size of the body: If you are painting with a very small brush with almost no body, you will have to reapply paint to the brush almost constantly. Also, it is very easy to accidentally damage a brush with a very small body. Having a decently sized body is important (at least when you basecoat or blend)
3. Spring/Snap: The more bristles in the brush and the wider it is, the more snap and spring the brush has. When you bend the brushes while painting, the hair should immediately “snap” into its normal shape afterwards. If not, you lose control when painting (it will feel like painting with a wet spaghetti).
4. Durability: An expensive awesome natural hair brush can last for years (at least with proper care). A cheap, inexpensive synthetic brush cannot last very long (but on the other hand, you do not have to worry about brush care that much).
5. Feeling: The feeling of a brush is very hard to quantify, but the brush should feel right for you. I have painted a lot with the Winsor and Newton, so this means they feel “right” for me. Trying to paint with brushes that are not made in the same way feels very off to me. A lot of the feeling with a brush depends on your habits and needs, but some of it also depends on hand size and various other factors.
6. Price: we cannot get around that the price of the brush is also something that you need to consider.

Quality natural hair, mostly from a Kolinsky Weasel (also called a Kolinsky Sabel brush) will win on a lot of these parameters. They hold a point longer, they have a big body that can retain paint well, they snap back in place quickly, the durability can be amazing and the feeling is great. The downside? They cost a lot…

What Sizes of Miniature Brushes Do You Need?

The size on the brushes will usually range from “000” (very small) up to a big “12”.

For painting miniatures the size “0” and “1” will most likely be what you are looking for.

A size “2” can be good for bigger basecoat and a “00” can be good if you do very fine detail work. I have a single size “3” brush and have almost never found a use for it. Some brands have a unique naming scheme (like the Citadel brushes where they try to call the brushes something understandable for beginners).

There is no uniformity as to how big a size 1 is when you look across the different manufacturers. This means that the size 0 from one company can be as big as a size 1 of another company. You just have to try them out to figure it out.

When it comes to how big the body is, it can also vary wildly from different brush sets. You have to learn by experience what suits you. A rule thumb is that too small a body is not that great. Only on my very, very fine detail brushes, I want a small body (I do not need a lot of paint to paint eyes or similar details). Basecoating, edge highlights and blending requires a bigger body to move the paint around in the required way. A lot of the brushes made specifically for miniature painting have, in my opinion, too small a body on the brush.

Buying a 0, 1 and 2 from the company’s brush set will give most of what you need. If this is your first time buying quality brushes, maybe just go with a 0 and 1. Those two types are by far the ones that I use the most, and the 00 and 000 is only used very sparingly (if at all) on a model.

Where to Buy Your Brushes?

I have tried out different webstores (since the selection of quality brushes in my local brick and mortar stores is subpar) and have run into a few different problems with quality control, poor customer service and so on.

Lately, I have been getting my supplies from the webstore Jackson’s Art. I have been very happy with both price, shipping times, quality control and customer service. They have the quality brushes I want as well as cheap brushes and the brush cleaner I use.

They ship internationally and I can highly recommend them. It is also there some of my affiliate links in this post will go to.

As a bonus for using my links, you get 10% if it is your first order with Jackson Art. Does not sound like much, but 10% on expensive brushes can also be something!

3 Different Good Quality Natural Hair Brushes

You can get cheap and efficient synthetic brushes from hobby stores everywhere (Citadel, Army Painter and random non-miniature hobby stuff). I find the difference in quality to be minimal so try different cheap stuff out until you are ready to upgrade. Be warned that Citadel brushes are neither cheap nor of very high quality, but they can do ok in a pinch.

3 different series of quality brushes that are commonly recommended:

1. Winsor & Newton Series 7
2. Raphael Series 8404
3. Davinci Maestro Series 35

I have tried all of the above and all of them could become your favourite brush in the end. The difference between is quite small and you cannot go wrong with any of them.

Winsor and Newton Series 7 (get the normal brushes made for watercolour, not the miniature stuff that has too small a body) is what most people will recommend. It is by far the most used “pro” brush, but that does not necessarily make it the best.

Raphael Series 8404might be just as good as the Winsor and Newton AND it is cheaper. I only have a single one of these right now (bought after a few too many Winsor and Newton brushes had issues on arrival because of poor quality control).

Davinci Maestro Series 35is a solid brush, but not for me. The body was too thin and I found that it could not compare with the other two when it came to retaining a sharp point with extended use.

What I Think Is the Best Miniature Brush for Warhammer and Miniature Painting

When I started out looking for a good brush, the Winsor and Newton series 7 was the one that most experienced painters recommended. After 5 years of using it, I have never regretted that choice. In fact, I have my very first size 1 Winsor and Newton and still use it for some detail work. In my opinion, you cannot go wrong with a good Winsor and Newton Series 7 brush.

My suggestion? Get 2 Winsor and Newton Series 7 – a size “0” and a size “1”. For about £20 pounds they will significantly improve your painting experience.

That said, I have lately run into different quality control issues. I bought a fresh batch with a 00, a 0 and 1 and they were ALL broken on arrival (the plastic tip made to protect the bristles had been jammed into the bristles, making them unable to hold a point). I have seen others commenting on different bad brushes from them, so if this continues I might shift to the Raphael instead.

Below is a video about why these weasel hair brushes are so expensive (but also so damn good).

Maintaining and Getting the Most Out of Your New Brush Quality Natural Hair Brush

If you buy a quality and expensive brush, you NEED to take care of it. The natural hair will get damaged if you neglect to clean it and then you would be much better of just using a cheap synthetic brush instead.

I suggest buying some Master Brush Cleaner. It has been around for ages and comes highly recommended. I have used it on my brushes since I started using quality stuff and it has done very well. It can even extend the life on your cheaper brushes, helping to avoid that annoying splitting issue (check the price on the Master Brush Cleaner here)

Having a good brush is great, but without a wet palette you might get the most out of your purchase. Check out my take on the best wet palette on the market.

An artist’s greatest tool is their brushes. From having better control on the amount of paint applied to achieving more precise line work, the right kind of brush plays a huge role.

But will buying a set which is considered as one of the best model brushes among your peers be enough? Well, the answer to this question is No”.

Thus, to make sure that you can buy a brush set that suits you, here a buyer’s guide along with reviews of the 4 most well-loved sets have been provided. So, without further ado, here we go:

Paint 12pc by D’Artisan Shoppe – Best for Beginners

Aren’t you tried of flaking paint on handles? The manufacturer claims that designing them like this will allow the user to reach small or tight spots or points and get precise outcome. Micro detailing on figurines, airplanes, cars, dolls, ships and other models can be done with accuracy.

The design plays a huge role and the set contains fine tipped brushes. The company also mentioned that these brushes can be used for rock painting and creating illustrations of botanical or wildlife.

The model brush set contains 12 pieces, and if you are a beginner then they will be plenty to master your craft. It is an affordable synthetic alternative option which contains 12 miniature paint brushes which includes Flats (0 and 1), Liners (4/0, 3/0, 2/0, 0 and 1), Rounds (4/0, 3/0, 2/0, 0 and 1), Brush Holder and Dust Bag to keep moths away. It is hand crafted individually and also double crimped which provide non-loose ferrules or bristles.

• The synthetic best model brushes set is suitable to work with different types of paints like oil, watercolor, enamels, acrylic, gouache and also citadel.
• It is designed with ergonomic handles (triangular shaped) which allows the user to work with them for a long time minimizing the downsides of fatigue.
• It comes with portable case (plastic) which allows easy storage and also helps to carry it anywhere. The company also provides a dust bag which provides extra protection.
• All round brushes come with protective covers to reach you in pristine condition.
• Easy To Clean – 7 layers of UV coated paint on handles means no flaking paint off your handles.

• If not taken care of properly, the synthetic hair tend to fall off.
• Not suitable for professionals.

MyArtscape – Best Value for Money (Best Price)

The detail paint brush set containing 12 pieces happens to feature the best Korean filament as per the manufacturer and also promises to have durable handles that do not lose their shape overtime.

Aren’t we all tried of the brushes losing their shape constantly?

The manufacturer even paid attention when it comes to the quality of the brushes.

The company even uses robust, strong packaging which ensures the ferrules or hair is not damaged in transit.

It is a great value for money product as at an affordable price, the company is providing Flats (0 and 1), Liners (4/0, 3/0, 2/0, 0 and 1) and Rounds (4/0, 3/0, 2/0, 0 and 1). With these 12 brushes, the user can enjoy art painting, detailed face or portrait painting, wargaming, model airplanes, miniatures, airplanes, army figurines and Warhammer 40K.

• The brushes are super fine which allows detailing with ease.
• It claims to have durable handles as well.
• It comes with a 1-year replacement guarantee and can be returned without any hassle.

• The handles or the shape is not ergonomic.
• Does not come with a box or bag for storing.

Virtuoso – The All-Rounder, Perfect for all (Editor’s Choice)

Are you a beginner trying to find best model brushes to start? Are you a professional looking for a set to take your craft to the next level? Or are you looking for set with which you can practice with and then use it after you have become an expert? Keeping these needs in mind, the manufacturer tried their best to produce this15-piece set made with good quality, durable materials.

The specialty of this set is that the brushes have thicker and shorter handles. The designing of the handles allows the user to use it comfortably while being able to produce precise lines. The Korean filament are super fine and comes with anti-shedding bristles.

The 15 pieces consist of a wide range of brushes including Flats (0 and 1), Rounds (4/0, 3/0, 2/0, 0 and 1) and Liners (4/0, 3/0, 2/0, 0 and 1). As per the manufacturer, the user can paint with oil, enamel, watercolor and acrylic paints. The bristles play a huge role behind the popularity of this brush set. It is made withfaux hair which a durable and crimped securely ferrules that can use for face painting, miniatures, adult coloring books, different complex figurines, models and doll houses. The company even mentioned that the paint brushes can be used for nail art as well.

• All brushes are inspected by experts and packaged in such a way so that they are not damaged in transit.
• Made to be durable and long-lasting.
• It comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.

Model Paint Brush Set

• It is not suitable for all types of paints.
• It is bit on the expensive side.

Nicpro – Professional’s Go-To Choice

Are you a professional looking for that best model brushes that can cater to all your artistic needs?

This 15-piece set is known to be a favorite of many professionals who swears by this brush.

The best thing about this brush set is their uniquely designed handles.

As per the manufacturer, the design of the handles was made in this unique shape for two reasons. Firstly, the user can paint with them for hours without issues like straining or cramping. And secondly, the design prevents them from rolling away keeping the workspace organized and clean or mess-free.

With this model brush set you will get Spot (0 and 1), Flats (2/0, 0 and 1), Rounds (4/0, 3/0, 2/0, 0 and 1) and Liners (4/0, 3/0, 2/0, 0 and 1). With these brushes achieving fine detailing work will be made easy. The company claims that the brushes can be used to paint on action figures, models, doll houses, dolls, rocks and other such subjects. If you mainly work with watercolor, oil and acrylic then this brush might will help your work.

• It is made with synthetic hair which do not cause hair shedding or splitting.
• The company provides a portable container made with good quality plastic and a dust bag which helps the user to protect the brushes as long as possible.
• It comes with a no-question-asked replacement or refund.

• It is not suitable for all kinds of paints.
• It is bit expensive.

Best Paint Brushes For Plastic Models 2019

Buyer’s Guide for best model brushes

Contents:

• Should I purchase faux hair or synthetic hair?
• Will long handle be good choice for me or short handles?
• Which size of paint brushes will be best for me?
• Does buying a brush set with guarantee means perfect purchase?

To help you further understand which brush set will be the right one for you, here are some common FAQs which you need take into consideration when buying a model brush set:

Should I purchase faux hair or synthetic hair?

Synthetic hair tends to get stiffer when wet (allowing precise outcome easily) and works best with acrylics, whereas with faux hair not only you can achieve fine strokes you can add a subtle softness to your work.

Will long handle be good choice for me or short handles?

Best Paint Brushes For Plastic Models

The purpose of long and short handles is to create a desired distance from the painting surface. While long handles work best when you are working on a model/figurine, short handles are usually the standard size of a pencil or pen which feels more comfortable. Short handles are best for beginners while long handles provide much advantage allowing a beginner to turn into a professional with practice.

Which size of paint brushes will be best for me?

Even if you tend to work on somewhat similar subjects, having a wide range of options to work with will help you to improve craft. So, it will be best to go for a set which offers a wide range of sizes rather than few standard sizes.

Brush Painting Models With Acrylics

Does buying a brush set with guarantee means perfect purchase?

All the best model brushes set comes with some kind of guarantee, however to truly get the best out of your brushes, maintaining and cleaning is a must. Even though buying brush set with a guarantee acts as a safety net, make sure to buy durable and easy to clean brushes to maintain the brushes’ integrity for years to come.

Best Paint Brushes For Plastic Models Free

There you have it; reviews of some of the best model brush sets and also a buying guide to help you choose the right one for you. It has been said that these manufacturers are looking for ways to further develop their designs yet as of they work perfectly. So by taking the things mentioned here into consideration, shopping for the right model brush set for your work will be an easy task.