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Had a search, had a read. Turns out i'm gonna die from licking my brush. However i've outlived my GW yellow brush so that ain't bad.

Basically broke my yellow brush. I've been painting for 6 months now i think, so am learning from my mistakes. I think i'm ready to try "Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable Water Colour Brush Miniature (size 0)", £8 delivered online. (i don't have a local store or anything near) Size 0 to replace GW yellow?

That and i guess it's worth some cleaner/ preserver stuff? I'm not looking to spend loads, just something that will help. I'm a noob, and i plan to keep my skills relatively low.


Thanks!

[edit]

While i'm here. Is there a go-to ebay set that includes a needle file, drill etc? A cheap but cheerful one? I gave my local GW enough money for not much in return. (no gaming etc)

W&N Series 7s are very nice brushes, but, admittedly, they are a tad pricey. You could also use Rosemary & Co., or Raphael 8404s - those are also Kolinsky Sable.

I would suggest getting a size 1 or 2, the reservoir is much bigger. I hardly ever use my size 0 anymore, let alone my 00 and 000.

And, you're totally right, get some brush cleaner. It will significantly increase the lifespan of your brush.

GF9 do a great file set, or you could just pick up any old jeweller's file set. Ditto for pin vices. If you're serious about modeling, though, I would suggest you pick up a power tool, like a Dremel Stylus or something similarly styled for miniature work. It makes drilling and pinning so much easier.

You can hit e-Bay for cheap drill bits - I got a box of 100 0.1mm drill bits for only a fiver. That said, they're only good for a very short while before snapping or dulling. But I can't justify buying something good, like a Viper bit, for this kind of work.

a friend of mine has been painting for 20+ years putting his brush in his mouth, not dead yet!!! :-)

I have just bought a pro arte acrylix 2/0 and a 2 for just less than a fiver, so far great brushes.

If you're budget-conscious, I'd also heartily recommend Rosemary & Co. brushes. I got a whole assortment in one go, which diluted the shipping cost, but I seem to recall that a single size 0 brush bought and shipped to the US was about as much as the asking price of a single Raphael 8404/W&N Series 7 of equivalent size - that's some serious savings, especially since you're in the UK. Having never tried either of the "holy grail of brushes" lines, I can't make a direct comparison, but I can at least say that R&Co. brushes are of rather high quality and amazing value. I would also echo the advice to pick up a larger size, as well. While I have a 0, the 2 has become my real workhorse - the point is still fine enough for detail work and the larger belly is a real boon.

Regarding their proper care and feeding, I swear by Master's brush soap. Cleans well, can be left to dry in the bristles as a tip-shaper, seems to condition nicely... I even like the smell. There are other good options, according to painters whose opinions I would generally trust, but having tried the Master's first, I've never felt the need to look elsewhere.

All ordered now. Thanks guys!

Am on a budget and certainly no pro, but want something half decent as the GW brushes aren't great.

Ordered the W&N7 size 2. And 2.5oz of Masters cleaner.

I'm been moving towards the pro-art brushes, they have a selection designed for miniatures that are great for the price.