I am assuming that most of you artists must be using synthetic hair brush .. but if you do prefer other type … which one is that … and why ?
Sable Hair – The most valuable hair used in artist brushes is obtained from the tail of the Kolinsky. Red sable (Kolinsky sable), pale red in colour with darker tips, has special qualities unmatched by any other hair – strength along with slim body, extremely fine points, and greater resiliency. Not only will it come to a needle-fine point or knife-like edge, but will retain its full elasticity, making it virtually irreplaceable for best brushes used in any watercolour medium
Ox hair – Often known as sabeline, ox hair provides reasonably good flow control but lacks durability and snap. It is economic and sometimes mixed with more expensive brush filaments.
Camel hair – Not taken from the camel, this is a generic term for many types of less expensive hair that are dyed to a pleasing colour. Camel hair could mean ox – hair, goat or ring cat.
Hog bristle – Bristles are far stiffer and stronger than soft hair filaments. Every bristle has a split end and oil or acrylic colour sits between the division. Hog hair is plentiful and generally used in the production of industrial brushes and brooms. It is available in lengths of up 8 inches long.
Pony hair – is obtained from pony hides. It ranges in colour from light to dark brown, is straight and soft but does not have the fine points which distinguish squirrel hair does.
Squirrel hair - This offers excellent flow control with a good point, but not to the degree expected from the genuine Kolinsky or red sable.
Synthetic hair – In recent years, synthetic hair filaments have become generally excepted as an excellent alternative to natural hair. The best synthetic brushes are constructed using a mixture of filament diameters to achieve the flow of colour from the brush to substrate. The spaces between the shafts of hair hold the colour, which is displaced by the air when being used. Taklon and Golden Nylon are among the more popular choices of synthetic hair.
