Brush Sizes Explained
Miniature brushes are sized by number, and the system is less logical than it looks. A size 0 is not 'zero width' — it is a small, fine brush. Sizes run roughly from 000 (very tiny) up through 0, 1, 2, 3, and beyond. The higher the number, the larger the brush.
For miniature painting, you will spend most of your time between sizes 0 and 2. A size 2 handles base coating and larger areas; a size 1 is your workhorse for general detail; a size 0 handles fine lines and eyes. Go smaller than 0 only when you truly need to — tiny brushes hold almost no paint and dry out fast.
Synthetic vs Natural Hair
Natural hair brushes — sable, kolinsky sable, and occasionally squirrel — hold more paint and form a sharper point than synthetics. A good kolinsky sable brush is a joy to paint with and can last years if cared for. They are, however, more expensive.
Synthetic brushes have improved enormously and are an excellent choice for beginners. They are cheaper, more durable, and entirely cruelty-free. Many painters use synthetics for rough work like base coating and drybrushing, and keep one good sable brush reserved for fine detail.
A sharp point matters more than size. A quality size 1 with a needle point outperforms a cheap size 0 with a split tip every time.
The Essential Brush Set
You do not need a dozen brushes to start. A set of three covers nearly everything on a standard miniature:
- A size 2 or 3 for base coating and large surfaces
- A size 1 for general work and mid-sized details
- A size 0 for fine detail, eyes, and edge highlights
Care and Maintenance
The brush that lasts years is the brush that is cleaned properly. Never leave paint drying in the ferrule — the metal band that holds the hairs. Rinse frequently while painting, and at the end of a session wash your brushes with brush soap or mild soap and cool water, reshaping the point with your fingers.
Store brushes horizontally or tip-down in a holder so the hairs are not crushed against a surface. Never leave them standing on their hairs in a jar of water — it bends the point and ruins the brush faster than anything else.
UK Suppliers
Good brushes and paints are widely available in the UK. Many hobby shops stock Citadel, Army Painter, and Vallejo ranges, and independent miniature painting suppliers offer kolinsky sable brushes at competitive prices. Look for shops that specialise in wargaming and miniature hobbies rather than general art supplies — their staff understand the specific needs of small-scale work.
If you are buying online, read reviews from miniature painters, not general artists. A brush that is wonderful for watercolour on a full sheet may be too soft or too large for a 28mm figure. The miniature painting community is generous with honest reviews.