subject: Sign Painting Brushes For The Right Price [print this page] What is your choice for sign painting brushes? This question is probably asked more often than you realize. Sign painters who have been doing this type of artistry, for years, have made some very beautiful representations. Of course, the painters have opted to have the correct tools in order to achieve the techniques they desire.
Depending on the type of representation, signs can be fairly easy, or rather difficult. If a customer prefers simple, block lettering, then the task is really very easy. But, if the customer wants intricate designs and pin stripes, the job becomes much more challenging. As the artist, you get the choice of what brush to use for what job. When you have gotten used to using a type of brush for a type of job, that is the one you will find is your favorite.
Squirrel, goat, boar, ox, horse, and badger hair are a sampling of the bristles that are used in the making of a good caliber, natural brush. There are synthetic brushes which are a preference with many painters, and this does not make the quality of the work any less appealing. Camel hair brushes do not exist. Someone decided to call natural hair brushes, "camel hair" and the name stuck.
In order to know the brushes that will fit into your hand, you must take the time to purchase, and use them. Lettering quills, fitches, flats, liners, riggers, outliners, and highlighters, are only a small portion of brushes created for the sign painter. Each brush has a handle which can be short, to very long, and gives a brush balance. You may appreciate a shorter handle as opposed to one that is longer.
The cost of such brushes will vary because companies which make them, use a variety of components, and the cost is not the same, determined by where they purchase their products. Most of these companies will pass on any savings they have to you, the consumer. Five dollars is the usual beginning price for a less expensive brush, while thirty dollars is the usual ending cost for a highly expensive brush. Of course, if you have the money, thirty dollars may not seem so high to you.
In order to keep from having to replace your brushes constantly, you must take good care of them. Always keep your bristles facing up whenever brushes are stored and clean them so soon as you are through with them. Artificial bristle brushes can be cleaned like their natural counterparts and should be stored the same. Follow manufacturer instructions when servicing your brushes.
Oil and acrylic paints require different methods to remove them from the brushes hairs. Acrylic cleans with soap and warm water, while paint thinner works to remove oil paints, then brushes are washed in soapy water to remove the thinner. Olive, vegetable, or linseed oil will work to preserve the condition of the brush.
