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Princeton Art and Brush
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Princeton Brushing Up 101
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There is nothing better than a brand new brush, especially one of over one hundred Princeton Brushes. The following information will help you keep your brush looking and functioning like new. Want to know more about your brush; hair, ferrule, handle, construction, handle length, and size, then please continue.
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What Makes a Great Brush?
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QUALITY AND CARE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
There are a myriad of artist brushes available on the market today. Relatively few perform at the level of quality expected. Predictability, responsiveness, and precision are what you should require from your brush. A good tool is as important for the beginner as it is for the professional. A quality brush will give you reliable performance, and with proper use and care, it will last a long time.
Yes, there is some correlation between price and quality. However, do not assume that just because you spent more, you have purchased a better brush. Sometimes, scarcity of hair and the lack of competition inflate prices. Compare our prices and you will see that value and quality are synonymous with Princeton Art & Brush
Since 1992, we have been responding to the needs of artists. As a result, you can now choose from a selection that offers more than 500 different hair mixtures, shapes and sizes. If your requirements are still not met, we will custom-tailor a brush to meet your specific needs.
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The following will help you understand what makes a good quality brush:
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| HAIR |
Just as they were in the past, artists' brushes are still crafted by hand.
Brush makers hand “cup” the hair to shape, so that each strand falls into place, giving the brush a fine tapered point or a clean, straight edge.
Hair is the most important and expensive part of the brush. We use the highest grade of hair to give you the best quality for your money.
Most hair types vary in quality. For example, all bristle hair is not the same; there are many different grades. The better grades offer unique properties which enable them to hold more color and retain their shapes. Princeton offers a complete selection to meet different needs and budgets. Remember that a better quality hair makes a far better brush, and a better quality tool makes painting easier and more enjoyable.
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| FERRULE |
This is the metal band which holds the hair to the handle. Nearly all of our brushes have nickel-plated, seamless ferrules, so they will not rust or split.
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| HANDLE |
Different hard woods are used, depending on where the brushes are manufactured: domestic or overseas. Handles are proportioned to balance in your hand and to give you more control. Three layers of lacquer and varnish are used to protect the wood from swelling and to shield the finish from cracking.
Hair is positioned within the ferrule to give maximum snap or responsiveness without going limp. This often means that as much as twenty five percent of the hair falls inside the ferrule or is trimmed at the back end, to allow secure fastening of the handle. The hair is thoroughly glued to the ferrule. The glue “seals” the ferrule, preventing any seepage of water or medium into the brush. Gluing the hair to the ferrule also prevents shedding of the hair. In addition, we crimp the ferrule to secure its hold on the handle.
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| CONSTRUCTION |
Hair is positioned within the ferrule to give maximum snap or responsiveness without going limp. This often means that as much as twenty five percent of the hair falls inside the ferrule or is trimmed at the back end, to allow secure fastening of the handle. The hair is thoroughly glued to the ferrule. The glue “seals” the ferrule, preventing any seepage of water or medium into the brush. Gluing the hair to the ferrule also prevents shedding of the hair. In addition, we crimp the ferrule to secure its hold on the handle.
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| HANDLE LENGTH |
Generally the long handle, about 9” in length, is for easel work/traditional oil and acrylic painting. A short handle, 5” to 6” in length, is for watercolor and other painting done at a table.
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| SIZE |
Using an appropriately sized brush head will save painting time and premature wear. Use of smaller size brushes, below size 4, are usually for detail work, medium sizes, 4 to 6, are for small areas, and large size brushes, above size 6, are for broad spaces.
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