Hardware store brushes do come in larger sizes, which can make for helpful lay-ins, priming, sealing or gessoing. However, the quality of the hair and the overall quality of the brush is not usually as high for working with artist mediums. You're not going to find a hardware store brush with the soft synthetics or quality bristle that you'll find in a fine art brush. That is okay for working with latex paint on woodwork or furniture, and it might be okay for priming. But, if you're looking for an ultra smooth finish, those rougher hairs will leave deep brush marks, hard to remove by sanding or painting over. Also, some hardware store brushes can lose hairs easily so brush out the tufts before you use them. Hardware store brushes these days are machine made, including the tufts. They might be trimmed to the proper shape, eliminating those wonderful natural flags. They also have different ferrules and often plastic handles, each wears much differently than a fine art brush.
Soft natural hair artist brush |
It is best to know the medium you're using first, to know your style and what you need out of brush. Sometimes a hardware store brush can work for just the right technique.
Most importantly, if you find a brush hair that you like, but you cannot locate the size and shape. . . ask the manufacturer. It is a huge part of our business to design brushes that match the characteristics artists need.
Keep Painting,
Karyn
For more brush information, check out the Dynasty Brush website.