Ox
hair brushes offer painters great versatility in brush stroke, from
precision details to impasto work. The best ox hair brush is developed from the ears
of cattle or oxen and is very silky to the touch. It is also very
strong, resilient and has good snap, however, it lacks a fine tip, so it
is usually mixed with other natural hairs. The blending makes a brush
more resilient and have more body. Ox hair is more rigid and springier
than red sable, but not as stiff as natural bristle.
Ox hair brushes are strong bristled brushes. These coarse bristles are
made into flats and brights and are used to do rigid lettering and for
painting with oils and acrylics. The coarser 'dark ox' hair is used for
stippler and stenciling brushes and the like. The finer 'light ox' hair
is used for fine varnish and mottler brushes. Also, dyed 'light ox' hair
is used to make sabeline brushes.
The best quality hairs from the ears of South American and European
oxen. They are strong in body, have good springiness and tapered points.
Natural shades range from white to black. Because of its elasticity and
color carrying ability, ox hair makes an excellent brush for heavier
colors. Goat hair has a naturally blunt tip but retains a large volume
of fluid. It is used in mottler, mops, cosmetic brushes and Oriental
brushes. Lesser grades are used in school brushes and, like pony, it can
be used in blends or filler.
