Brush Shapes

The ferrule is the metal tube connecting the brush hair to the handle. It shapes the head of the brush and determines its size. The ferrules are seamless or seamed. The highest quality ferrule is seamless. Seamed ferrules are soldered and usually found in lower quality brushes.

Round: Round ferrule, round or pointed tip. They are available in a wide variety of sizes, lengths, and price ranges. Used for detail work, washes, fills, thin to thick lines, and decorative brushstrokes. They can be found made from all hairs and synthetics.

Pointed Round: Narrower than a standard round with round ferrules, sharply pointed tip. Natural hair holds a sharper point. Used for fine detailing, fine lines and decorative brushstrokes. They are made from sable and synthetics.

Flat: Flat ferrule, square ended. Medium to long hairs. Easy maneuverability for freedom and control. They�re good for blocking in color, shading, blending, highlighting and decorative brushstrokes. They are made from sable, mongoose, bristle, badger and synthetic.

Bright: Resembles a flat with a flat ferrule but with shorter length hairs. The width and length of the brush head is about equal. Used for making short, flat strokes and blending with thick or heavier mediums such as oil. They are made from sable, mongoose, bristle, badger and synthetic.

Filbert: Thick, flat ferrule. Shaped like a flat or bright with rounded edges. Used for thick to thin strokes with a soft edge. It is good for blending as well. They are made from sable, mongoose, bristle, badger and synthetic.

Fan: Flat ferrule with spread hairs. Used for smoothing and blending, special effects and textures, and glazing. They are made from bristle, badger, and synthetic.

Liner: Round ferrule. Pointed, narrow brush. Used for lettering, outlining, and long, continuous strokes. They are made from sable, ox and synthetic.

Script: Similar to a liner with longer hairs, holds more color and will usually go farther before it needs to be re-loaded.

Detail Round: Round ferrule. Shorter in length than all other rounds but holds a lot of color. Used for detail painting and short strokes. They are made from sable and synthetic.

Mop/Wash: Wash brushes come in various shapes. The oval wash has a flat ferrule and produces a soft edge. The square wash has a flat ferrule and can produce varying shapes and widths. The mop brush is a round, full version of the wash brush made of soft, absorbent natural hair. Used for laying in large areas of color or water. They are also used to smooth and blend color. They are made of squirrel, ox, bristle, and synthetics.

�2001-2003 Elsa Riedel