Raphael 8404 Kolinsky Round No. 3

I'm a watercolor artist and have three of these brushes in sizes 3, 4, and 8. They are very high-quality brushes. The 8 is really good for large washes and holds SO much water. The 3 is my go-to brush for pretty much everything. These are larger than most other round brushes I've used. The size 3 is closer to a size 4 from other brands I've used, and the 8 is more like a 10. I admit, I'm not as gentle with these as I probably should be. After many uses on the highly textured cold press paper I use, the tips have lost their super pointy-ness, but that doesn't bother me too much, and I know I'm partly to blame for the way I man-handle them :) They're still excellent brushes that I get a lot of use from. They don't fray at all like synthetic brushes. Very well-made brushes that will last for years, even with heavy use. Highly recommend for watercolor artists to have in their collection.

I'm a big fan of the Raphael brushes as an alternative to Winsor and Newton. They are larger in terms of size, so that a 3 in the 8404 is more like a 4 in W+N (English) sizing. Body is nicely laquered with a very classy ferrule. I have size 3 and 4 only, and they carry a great deal of ink/paint while maintaining a firm tip. They handle differently from a W+N Series 7, but the line quality is good and the brush will last a long time with maintenance. The main problem these days is finding them.

I bought a second one just to always have one in stock. This brush will last you a very longtime if you know how to take care of it.

Once the tip loses its point it becomes a constant struggle to try to return it. No amount of rinsing and twirling on and an edge would work. The belly holds a lot of wash and straight ink, but once that point is gone there’s no going back. I’m going to stick with Winsor & Newton, although that’s not a plug, just my preference.

After researching the top suggested brushes for Miniature Painting, I found the Raphael 8404 mentioned as a footnote. I tried it when I found one available and have never gone back to W&N series 7 or needed to try any other brand. They last incredibly well (with the proper care) and hold an incredible tip. The size 3 I use for all of my miniature painting. The point is fine enough for eyes and other tiny details, while the body holds paint well for coating larger surfaces. I can’t recommend these enough! The associated photo is a miniature painted entirely with the size 3 8404.

I love this brush, but, as usual, Amazon’s packing and protection was practically non existent. They wrapped the brush in Cellophane and tossed it in a big box with a book and no other packing material. It’s a miracle it wasn’t damaged.

I originally got mixed up on my reviews and gave this a lackluster review. I actually like this brush a lot.

Got this for my husband who paints mini warhammer figurines. Best brush he owns.