The
use of the proper brush to the type of painting desired is imperative
and can make a vast difference in the quality of the finished painting.
Flat paint brushes are specifically designed to produce accurate and
beautiful results. Flat-shaped brushes are called flats, having long
bristles with a square- cut tip. It is difficult to apply paint with
flat bristles because of the elasticity of the bristle. Flats are better
suited for fluid strokes and blending. Flats will work well with any
pigment and are used with thickened dye, fabric paints, silk dyes, wax,
after fix, etc.
A Flat paint brush provides lots of color capacity and easy
maneuverability. Used for bold, sweeping strokes, or on edge for fine
lines, these brushes work well for dusting parts and also in touch-up
work for applying paint and adhesives. It works well in all medium and
are available in fibers such as sable, mongoose, bristle, badger and
synthetic. Ideal for scumbling and glazing, the flat side of these
brushes covers large areas and the edge renders thin lines.
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.
