Kolinsky vs Synthetic for metallic paints???

[Xauhaudoom]

Plan on purchasing some kolinsky sable brushes, and was wondering if to get 2 sets one for normal paint, the other for metallic paints.  However, I heard that metallic paints can ruin natural hair brushes quickly and should use synthetic brush for metallic paints. Any advice would be helpful.      Thanks!

[ub3r_n3rd]

Yeah, I use older kolinsky for metallics or cheap craft brushes. Don't waste your money on 2 sets of the expensive brushes in this fashion. 

[Doug Sundseth]

I use one brush for everything. I haven't noticed a problem with metallics.

 

I would recommend rinsing more thoroughly after using metallics, though.

[seej]

This topic came up during Anne's metallics class at Reapercon a couple years ago. My memory from that class is Anne told us not to bother with separate brushes for metallics. She had never noticed metallic paints ruining brushes at a different rate.

[Heisler]

I think the concept of a separate set of brushes for regular and metallic paints came from not wanting the metallics to taint the regular paint. Easily avoided by cleaning your brushes as Doug pointed out. I do know some folks that keep two different cups of rinse water, one for regular and one for metallics.

[Loim]

I use one brush, and one rinse for pretty much everything. I'm just careful. YMMV. 

[buglips*the*goblin]

This presumes, of course, that you're not drybrushing or semi-drybrushing the metallics on.  If you are, kill a synthetic instead of a good brush. 

[Doug Sundseth]

This presumes, of course, that you're not drybrushing or semi-drybrushing the metallics on.  If you are, kill a synthetic instead of a good brush. 

 

Though that applies to non-metallic paints as well. Drybrushing with any paint will kill a brush.

[buglips*the*goblin]

True, but drybrushing metallics is probably more common.  Well, it used to be anyway.  I sometimes forget it's no longer 1993. 

[DixonGrfx]

I've spent too much cash on my  WNS7 brushes to put them at risk using metallic paints. I know it's been said that metal paints ruin brushes is just a myth, but it's not a gamble that I can feel comfortable ignoring. So for me, cheap brushes for metals.

[Pingo]

Metallic paints for the most part do not use metal, but microscopic mica flakes, which are mildly abrasive if you scrub your brush around, but otherwise fairly smooth and cooperative. I use the same brushes for regular and metallic paints, but like the others I keep them very clean.

[72moonglum]

Moral of the story, stop using metallic, and this will cease to be a problem.  Then you just create a whole new set of problems, like trying to figure out non-metal metallic...

[Xauhaudoom]

Thanks all for the information, this helps out alot.

[Wren]

My recollection is along the lines of what Pingo said - metallics doesn't outright ruin a brush, but the (slightly) greater abrasive quality could potentially wear them out a little quicker. Ditto for using natural hair brushes with brush-on primer and brush-on sealer. I've even heard that the first coat you paint over primer is slightly abrasive to the brush. I try to remember to use use a synthetic or an old brush when using a more abrasive substance, but in reality I use my main and prized Kolinsky for all of those things. Definitely avoid drybrushing with a brush you want to keep in shape!

 

I've actually heard that, just like shoes, there's a slight wearing in period with a new brush where it can help to use it on slightly abrasive surfaces (like paper), but I don't have enough data to comment on that. Definitely worth trying if you have a brush that seems good but you don't love, I guess!

 

Rinse the brush well, give it a good clean with brush cleaner now and then, and store it so the bristles aren't smushed or reshaped, and it should serve you well for a while. Our brushes wear out a little faster than for 2D artists because of all the poking and prodding and use on 3D textures, and I don't think there's a lot we can do to avoid that!

[Doug's Workshop]

My first Kolinsky sable brush was used for everything from layering, base coats, feathering, and the occasional light dry-brush (when you need 'just a bit, right there').  That brush lasted 5 years.  I am a hobby painter, rather than a 'pro' but 5 years for a single brush was well worth the $15 I paid.

 

It was pretty well destroyed when I left it on the Paint-n-Take table at GenCon by accident, and a new painter used it for all of an hour or so.

 

Well, it wasn't destroyed, but no longer holds the point it used to.

 

Acrylic metallic paints and sables are fine.  Treat the brush right, and the brush will treat you right.