Brushes anyone?

Hello everyone! I'm new here and about half a year ago I got into Face Painting. As of yet I haven't really gotten things started, but I'm hoping that by this summer it'll change. Anyway, since this isn't the Introduction center, I'll try to stay on topic. Since getting into Face Painting, I've been watching videos and reading as much as I can get my hands on to. However, I am still lacking in knowledge about one thing. Brushes! When I started, I just bought a cheap pack of brushes. I knew they weren't going to last long, they were just something to practice on. But now I'm looking to invest in nicer, longer lasting brushes. Sooo... What kind of brushes do you like? What different types do you have? How many of them? What sizes? Is there a certain brand you value above others? etc. etc. I personally prefer stiffer brushes, but I would love to hear what others like to use. Thanks!!

Welcome to the forum and have fun!

Here are some prior posts that answer your question:
http://www.facepaintforum.com/t7261-what-brushes-are-your-favorite

http://www.facepaintforum.com/t5530-loew-cornell-7500c-series-brushes

http://www.facepaintforum.com/t4709-best-brushes

http://www.facepaintforum.com/t3053-mark-reid-signature-brushes

http://www.facepaintforum.com/t8226-brush-addiction-help-needed

http://www.facepaintforum.com/t1638-what-brushes

http://www.facepaintforum.com/t458-let-s-talk-brushes-and-daubers


p.s. The "search" function on this forum is strangely limited. The best way to look for what you want is to go to google and type:

[search term] site:facepaintforum.com

just get rid of the brackets, for example:

favorite brushes site:facepaintforum.com

You just have to jump in and start trying out brushes to see what works for you

I started out loving size 6s, but now I'm loving 4s. I probably have bought well over 100 brushes, but only use about 30 at gigs. Last night at my gig, there were only 10 kids and I used maybe 10 brushes.

I think you just have to try out a bunch of different brushes and find out what you like best.

I recently bought a bunch of Loew-Cornells, but my favourite brushes are still ones I found at Wal-Mart, and the one that came with the Metallix palette from Wolfe. The ones from Wal-Mart are called "Simply Simmons", with a white pearly-looking handle.

I use Daler and Rowney artist brushes, I love my #1 round, 6 round and 1/4" flat brush...

Julie, thanks for the search tip, I was wondering why I couldn't find threads that I knew existed!

I've got everything from Plaid, Loew-Cornell, Simply Simmons, Wolfe, Daler-Rowney, Royal, Royal Majestic, Snaz, and DFX brushes. Think it comes down to your touch and preference. Run it across your wrist. Is it soft but with a good amount of springiness to it? Think it will hold a point? If you like it, grab it with a coupon! One of my favorite brushes (Wolfe) came in a little appetizer pallet. Just gonna come with experience.

Thank you everyone, I'll try some of the brands you mentions and see what I like. Thanks again!

I really like the American Painter brushes at Michaels. The paint peals, but the brushes are nice. I also like the softgrip brushes & Michael's has a packet of I think 5 different brushes/sizes for $12.99.

#1 round, #2 round, #4 round & #6 round are my favorites depending on how thick I want my lines & tear drops.

If you mainly sponge for back grounds you can wait on the larger brushes. If you like to paint backgrounds then a 1" flatbrush & 1" filbert brush are nice.
Also a 1/2 " filbert & a #2 filbert are nice & the #2 can make really pretty teardrops & wispy edges to butterflies.

If you're doing artycake style painting then a 1" flatbrush, a 3/4" flatbrush & a 1/2" flatbrush.

Wow, thank you for the info. It helped a ton!

This was very helpful for me, too! Thanks! (I'm a lurking newbie)