Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hey everyone,
So I've been painting for a while now and just got a wack of tau stuff as I just finished painting my space marines about 1100 points worth (didn't play until all my models were painted and based but mow I have 5 scouts to paint). But since my painting skills are mediocre at best (Check out the gallery) I was thinking of getting some new higher quality brushes.

My question is does brush quality make a big difference in the ease of painting? Might sound like a dumb question but I am using some old brushes and crappy Walmart ones and they don't hold their point well.

Also is there a brand recommended for a mid range brush set? Also how much should I spend on a set and where do I get one?
I really need an ultra fine detail brush, a base layer brush, then various smaller brushes no big ones really.

Thanks!!

You don't need a "set" of brushes if you buy quality ones... A Raphael series 8404 size 0 will do everything from basecoating to tiny details, granted you take regular care of it with brush soap/conditioner. Outside of specialty brushes (for oils, drybrushing, etc.) that is really all you need.

@Scooty - Couldn't agree more. I find the better I get at painting the less brushes I use. Right now I use a size 0 and a dry brush and that's it. And while I'm nowhere near the best painter I constantly get compliments on my mini's because their clean and striking. So don't worry as much about having tons of brushes get a nice size 0 and learn to take care of it and it will treat all your painting needs good.

This video review of Games & Gears Pro Studio Brushes went up today by ichiban painting from the WGC. Good review, compares them to some other brushes so you can see if you like them too.

I personally do believe in keeping a full set of brushes. I constantly swap between them, especially for two brush blending and detail work.

My favourite set is Windsor & Newton Series 7. I keep a full set sizes 3/0-2 in it as well as size 3/0-0 in the Windsor & Newton Series 7 Miniature.

They require excellent care and upkeep, but last ages. I buy a new set after each army and recycle the old set for classes and demonstrations or just general table top work.

I order mine from DickBlick.com

Seconded - W&N Series 7 brushes are the type of brushes I regularly make blood sacrifices to. They are just of unbelievable quality - either way .

Yes, you can get completely naff batches of W&Ns, too. I haven't had too many bad experiences, maybe 2 over the past 10 years, and the shops (Eckersley's) was happy to replace them.

I prefer these over Raphaels - they're springier, I reckon. But I've noticed that Raphaels hold more paint, and don't need reloading as often.

I use the Army Painter brushes

You can get the stater set pretty cheep which has all the brushes you need.
Don't forget to clean them weekly that helps a lot. Most art stores carry the soaps.

Hope this helps