To be most accurate, measure brushes according to the following:
Length — the distance from the edge of the ferrule out to
the tip of the hair in the center of the brush.
Diameter — the distance of the hair at the opening of the
ferrule.
Width — the distance across the hair above the opening of
the ferrule.
Measure brushes while they are dry. Width is not the width of paint
stroke that the brush will make. The width of a brush stroke will vary
according to the amount of pressure used, the angle at which the brush
is held, the media used and the flexibility of the brush hair.
The charts should help you to determine the size brush you need to
purchase. If you would like to measure a brush you already own, use the
charts this way:
- Lay your brush on the line so that the line is just above the
edge of the ferrule. Use vertical line to measure width or diameter,
horizontal line to measure length. Check each side to be sure it
lies straight.
- Do not apply pressure or tilt to the brush. Brush hair should not
be spread.
- Follow the line over to read the measurement, or, if it falls
between two lines, move on to the next chart with smaller increments
until you find the exact measurement.
Brushes
used for acrylics have long handles that allow the artist to work at a
distance from the canvas. Acrylic paints are more caustic than oils, so
acrylic brushes are designed with synthetics and bristle. Acrylic
brushes are usable in other mediums, particularly oils, while brushes
designed specifically for oil painting and watercolors are unsuitable
for acrylics. Artists can very effectively use glazing and layering
techniques when using acrylic brushes.
Both natural and synthetic bristles can be used with acrylics,
depending on the artist's preference. But, acrylics, being alkaline in
nature, can be hard on natural hair brushes. Those made with high
quality synthetics have excellent durability and offers excellent
stiffness, snap and hair shape retention for maximum control. The
brushes must be kept clean. If acrylic paint dries in a brush it is very
hard to get out without using strong solvents that might damage the
brush. Brushes are cleaned promptly by washing them with warm water and
mild soap when finished painting.
