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Hi Everybody!

So I’m at the point of needing some new brushes (no pun intended); I’ve been using Rosemary & Co Kolinsky Sable brushes for a few years and I’m very happy with them for layers, washes, etc. but I also need some new dry brushes and I don’t think these are the solution. I’ve been using the GW ones for a little while (someone gave me the for free), but they really don’t work well for me.

I figure some sort of natural fibre will be better than artificial, to avoid hooking, and probably something stiffer than sable, but beyond that I’m not sure where to start, so I’m throwing this open to the group; any recommendations (or things to avoid!)?

If you're not going to just use makeup brushes, etc. for drybrushing, have a look at Artis Opus. They're not cheap by any stretch, but they achieve great results. You should check out their youtube videos too, though, as their technique and brush care isn't your standard drybrushing.

Ready made drybrushes are something of a gimic. Any brush can be a drybrush once its reached a certain point in its life.
Beyond the painfully obvious shilling/paid reviews, I cant say I've seen any glowingly good reports of the Artis Opus brushes. The majority of what I've seen of them has been a resounding meh.
If you're at all leaning towards the AO brushes, save yourself the money and buy some make up brushes. At least that way you can try the general style of brush (larger rounded head). Although personally I've found the make up brushes to be generally to big for standard minis. Big creatures, tanks and terrain? Sure. They work great. But for a regulsr human sized dude.... YMMV on that front.

Honestly though, the best dry brushes are just old brushes. You say you're at the point of getting new brushes anyway, my advice would be just take some of the oldest/most worn brushes you currenrly have and just use them for dry brushing. The more you abuse them the more naturally they'll feather out and before long you'll find yourself with the perfect drybrush.

 Jadenim wrote:
Hi Everybody!

So I’m at the point of needing some new brushes (no pun intended); I’ve been using Rosemary & Co Kolinsky Sable brushes for a few years and I’m very happy with them for layers, washes, etc. but I also need some new dry brushes and I don’t think these are the solution. I’ve been using the GW ones for a little while (someone gave me the for free), but they really don’t work well for me.

I figure some sort of natural fibre will be better than artificial, to avoid hooking, and probably something stiffer than sable, but beyond that I’m not sure where to start, so I’m throwing this open to the group; any recommendations (or things to avoid!)?

Make-up brushes. End of thread.

I second old brushes.
For minis, I've been using the same no8 4701 grumbache(r) nylon brush for almost 20 years, originally for oil paint I believe, hard to tell with most of the lettering worn away. It didn't start off as a drybrush but that's what it's been for most of its product life.

but for big surfaces like tanks and terrain, makeup brush.

I use the nastiest, bottom of the barrel, max discounted generic hobby brushes, or simply old brushes which have worn out beyond saving.

IME, drybrushing is more about actual technique and judgement (developing the eye for how much paint to wipe off oetc) than the brush

Makeup Brushes. For soft blends and only hitting raised details, there's nothing better. Larger soft brushes will generally work better with a very light paint load for only hitting raised edges, while smaller makeup brushes can be used for more traditional styles.
The poster above is correct, paint load is extremely important. Swipe across the back of your hand or your mat if it has been roughed up. If you see any streaks, there's too much paint.
After use, wash out your brushes thoroughly, and they'll be good for a long time. Keep in mind that makeup brushes take a long time to dry, so only do that at the end of your session.