Bristles
obtained from hogs are the most sought after brush hair in several parts
of the world. Hog bristle is unlike any other natural filler in that it
forms a V-shaped split or "flag" at the tip and tends to have
a natural curve. Hog bristle brush with "interlocked"
bristles, with the curves formed inward to the ferrule, has a natural
resistance to fraying and spreads medium to thick paints smoothly and
evenly.
A selection of pure hog bristle brushes is recommended for oil and
acrylic painting, and is a far less expensive alternative to
good-quality softer hairs. It is very stiff and because Hog hair has a
natural curve, two bundles, facing each other, are used to make a brush.
The finest quality Hog Bristle comes from Chungking China and can be
identified, after 'dressing', by a beautiful sheen. For the finer work
in a painting, an artist usually turns to Sable brushes.
Most brushes used for oil painting are made of hog bristle because they
are strong and robust for use with the heavy paints and the roughness of
the canvas. They maintain their stiffness and shape, both in use and
over a long period of time. A Hog Bristle brush provide the best
possible cleaning and works well when dealing with sticky, crusty
materials or viscous fluids.
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.
