Why You Should Spend More Money on a Better Brush

I'm going to start this post with a woeful tale of a time when I chose to save a bit of money on a gift for my wife (bad idea guys, just splurge). 

Not my wife, but she looks similar when sewing.

When I first got married, my wife declared that she wanted to take up a hobby.  Being the astute observer I am, I discovered that she was interested in sewing, namely the kind that requires a sewing machine.  At the time (and even now) we were pretty hard up for cash.  She was getting a master's degree and I was a teacher You can imagine our position.  Undaunted, I decided to shop for a sewing machine for her.  I looked high and low and finally found an economically priced unit that got decent reviews online.  To make sure I did my homework, I called a local sewing shop and asked their opinion.  I distinctly remember to this day, the lady on the other end of the line telling me, "If you want to her to get frustrated and risk giving up, then you can get her that machine."  She then went on to try to sell me a more expensive machine, which I knew I couldn't afford.  Thus, I bought the economically priced machine.  My wife loved it!  She was quick to work with it and we were even delighted to find out that her sister-in-law had the same machine and had few to no problems.  Furthermore, I asked a friend who is a fashion design instructor and seamstress to give my wife a few lessons.  In the end, we figured we were set. However, as time went on, my wife would find herself in between project for long periods of time due to life and what not.  Now, every time she pulls the thing out, there are exasperated cries of frustration due to the fact that she can't ever remember how to get the thing loaded up and started.  It seems to require a different preparatory regimen every time!

What does this have to do with painting wargame miniatures?

The morale of the story. 

Sure, you can save money purchasing cheaper synthetic brushes like the ones GW makes or simply the cheap ones you can find at your local hobby store.  But, many painters find, they are frustrating themselves using a far inferior instrument.  Simply put, painting with a cruddy, cheap brush could actually be hindering your painting more than you know.  I have met many average to decent painters who don't think they are any good, but could easily improve their result by using a superior brush.  I learned this when one of my friends who is a painting mentor, suggested I spluge and purchase a Windsor Newton Series 7 Kolinksy Round brush.  This thing is the real deal.  Each brush runs around $10 which could probably make most gamers, think I'm crazy, but the change in my painting was noticeable the first time I picked up one of the brushes.  It was amazing.  The way the natural hair tips soaked up and released the paint made smooth lines, more accurate painting, and an overall cleaner product for me. Just by picking up the brush!  Not to mention, the WN brushes last far longer than the cheapies. 

I know there are plenty of people out there who say things like, "I use crappy GW brushes and love the result." Trust me, the nicer brushes are more expensive for a reason.  They merit their higher price.  If you think you love painting with GW brushes, pick up a natural hair brush like the Windsor Newton Series 7's and you will be amazed at how much better the painting experience is. 

Suffice it to say that when I picked up the WN brushes, I have never gone back.....and next time I buy a sewing machine, I am going for top of the line!

Other articles you might find useful:
Painting Halfway Decent Power Weapons
Space Wolf Project....Complete!
Live Long and Prosper... Making Vulkan


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