The issue of brushes was the topic of the first article I wrote for THE BANNER June/July, '92. To paint miniatures and get the best results, you must start with the proper tools. It is also important to point out , though you won't need to spend a fortune, you should buy the best quality brushes possible to assure long life and joy (Zen) in painting.

A quality brush that holds a fine point is desired. Brushes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. When starting in the hobby of painting miniatures, begin with two sizes. A size 1 round, and a size 05 round. The 1 will suffice for most duties, painting large areas, drybrushing, and when in good condition, fine detail such as stripes and letters. The 5, a much smaller brush, will be mainly for detail - eyes, blacklining, etc.

Brushes are made of different materials: red sable, ox, sabaline, camel, squirrel and white nylon. Red Sable is the Mercedes of brushes, but is the worst for miniatures. I'll say it again...Red Sable is the worst for miniatures.

White Nylon is by far the best. The cost is a bit easier on the pocketbook compared to Red Sable; this is only a small reason for White Nylon being the best. The synthetic bristles of the White Nylon stand up to the punishment of painting miniatures. Red Sable will not last due to the poking motion of painting miniatures.

The other brushes listed are a much lower quality. Their use would be by personal preference or task at hand only.

As you become more experienced, try other brushes of size, shape, and material. You will find that for most painting applications, you will stick with a few tried and true sizes. On my table I have the following: Armory White Nylon; Sizes: flat (for drybrushing white over black prime; 1 (new, general painting); 1 (old, for drybrushing, washes); 1 (very old, for ~ washes, abuse); 5/0 (new, for details).

Remember to take care of your tools. Brushes require cleaning after use. Never(!) Leave a brush standing on its bristles in a cup. Keep the brush callers on your brushes when being stored. A last tip (in my case, an old habit) - I lick the brush once clean (I also do this when painting to sharpen the point and/or moisten the paint) by placing the bristles on my tongue and pulling it through my tongue and upper lip. I have found that this sharpens the point and will dry stiff keeping the brush in the perfect shape for the next time.