Brushes, ContinuedFan-shapedbrushesFan-shaped brushes have their bristles spread out at the tip. Fan-shapedbrushes are relatively new and work well with washes and large areas ofpigment. Fan-shaped brushes also work well as blenders. Their bristles areoften made from synthetic materials and are very durable. You can use fan-shaped brushes with any pigment.Round-shapedbrushesRound-shaped brushes are normally made with sable or synthetic material.The round shape of the bristles hold more pigment than flatter brushes. Thesize of brushes varies; but, even the larger brushes are responsive to anexperienced painter.Flat brushesFlat-shaped brushes are called flats. Flats have long bristles with a square-cut tip. It is difficult to apply paint with flat bristles because of the elasticityof the bristle. Flats are better suited for fluid strokes and blending. Flatswill work well with any pigment.Bright brushesBrushes called brights also have a square-cut tip, but a shorter bristle lengththan a flat. The relatively short bristle of brights allows the painter to readilyapply and maneuver pigment over a surface. Brights work well with anypigment.Brush sizeThe size of a brush is written on the ferrule or handle of the brush. Thebristle capacity of the ferrule determines brush size. Manufacturers usedifferent size indicators, but they are generally numeric beginning with No.00000 as the smallest.FerruleThe ferrule is the sleeve that binds the bristle to a brush handle. The sleevemay be made from metal, plastics, or natural quill. Some oriental brushesuse copper wire. The ferrule is the most vulnerable point of the brush.Residual pigments and solvents tend to collect at the ferrule and acceleratedeterioration. Bristles become brittle and break at the ferrule.Continued on next pagel-28
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