Fine Art Brush Tips: Synthetic or Natural?

Faux Squirrel Series

It is a long time debate whether or not synthetic brushes or natural hair brushes are better to use.  If you're a traditionalist, you likely lean towards only the best natural hairs as that is what the masters used in ages past.  However, with nylon technology as advanced as it is, there is likely a synthetic brush that will compare to the natural hairs out there and meet the expectations of vegans everywhere.

Natural hairs are known for their capacity to hold a lot of fluid, due to the flags on the hairs, the taper, the length of the taper and the type of animal. Replicating these hairs has become an art in itself.  Synthetic hairs are made from nylon that has been etched by acid. High quality synthetics are created consistently, but not every manufacturer of synthetics creates equally.  In order to get the best quality synthetics, Dynasty has been doing business with some of its nylon vendors since 1935.  

A good synthetic brush is made from several types of synthetic nylon fibers to replicate the attributes of natural hairs -- specifically natural hairs of one animal at a time.  For example, the Faux Squirrel line that Dynasty creates holds the color and fluid that squirrel hair is known for and yet still holds its shape over time. A brush built like this can last for years if care is taken to clean it well after each use. 

To see more of Dynasty's synthetic lines, visit their website Brush Wizard or take a look at these previous blog posts:  Faux Kolinsky, Faux Squirrel.

Keep Painting,

Karyn

For more brush information, check out the Dynasty Brush website.