"Which brush?" is one of the questions the Terminal hears most. We took two brushes — one synthetic, one sable — and painted the same figure, with the same hand, over the same day. Here is what we saw.
Holding a Point
The sable gave a sharp point while wet and kept it for a long time. The synthetic was good too, but its tip opened up slightly after a few hours.
Paint Load
- Sable: Carried more paint in its belly; on long strokes we did not return to the paint again and again.
- Synthetic: Held less but flowed more controllably — comfortable on edge lines and detail.
The Terminal's Verdict
Sable for broad surfaces and washes; synthetic for hard detail and drybrushing. Keep both in the pack — the right tool is for the right job. If you are a recruit, start with a mid-size synthetic; it costs little and teaches much.