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Taxidermy Paint Brush Facts


There are principally three main styles of brushes; brights, flats and rounds. Brights are short, square end brushes. Flats are similar to brights, but have longer hair or bristle. Rounds are completely round with pointed ends.

Brushes are principally made with sable, ox, camel, goat hairs or hog bristles. Hair and bristles are similar with two important differences. Hair has a single, natural point while bristle has multiple natural tips. Bristle has a unique taper not found in hair.

Sable: In the finest brushes, it is red sable. It comes from the tails of commonly called Red Tartar Martin. Only the best hair is selected for the highest grade sable brush. It has elasticity to retain a point. Black sable comes from the Wood and Stone Martin. Some black sable are from Civet Cat tail hair, mostly form eastern Canada. Its use is limited since most prefer red sable.

Ox Hair: Comes from the ears of oxen. It comes in various qualities and grades. The finest comes from the Swiss Alps and other mountainous regions. Excellent for sign writing, etc.


Camel Hair: Term applies to any soft, silky, fine hair, generally squirrel hair from Russian squirrels. These are good, all purpose brushes for oils, Japans and enamels, especially on a smooth surface.

Bristle: Attained from European and Asian hogs. These are hand selected. They come in a variety of colors and grades from silky to coarse, and are used for numerous purposes. Will spread medium to thick paints smoothly and evenly.


Goat Hair: A rather coarse hair from both foreign and domestic sources. It is used in cheaper grades of brushes. Many use to apply varnish and glazes.

Synthetics: Nylon is very popular. They vary greatly in grade and quality. Widely used for general painting.

Regardless of the hair or bristle head, most brushes require cleaning, de-greasing, cutting, etc.


Care of Brushes:

  • Remove, with proper solvents or thinner, as much color as possible from the brush.

  • Make final cleaning with mild face soap; repeat till all is out.

  • Rinse thoroughly, shape brush and put away dry.


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