In
recent years, brushes made of synthetic hair filaments have become
generally excepted as an excellent alternative to natural hair.
Synthetic 'hair' is not real hair, but polymer filaments made to look
and act like hair. The best synthetic hair brushes are constructed using
a mixture of filament diameters to achieve the flow of color from the
brush to substrate. The spaces between the shafts of hair hold the
color, which is displaced by the air when being used.
Synthetic hairs are available in a variety of diameters, lengths,
colors, stiffnesses, and qualities. The synthetic makeup brushes vary in
thickness and resiliency, the filament comes to a tapered point and some
are grooved or roughened to hold paint. Just as with natural-hair
brushes, manufacturers may blend different synthetic filaments to
achieve desired characteristics. Natural hair may be part of the
composite as well.
Synthetic brush can be used with all mediums. Short-handled, soft
brushes with snap and spring are preferred for water media, but lack the
strength to move heavy-bodied color. Thick, tougher fiber will not hold
as much liquid, but can carry and manipulate thick paint. Taklon and
Nylon are among the more popular choices of synthetic hair.
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.
