Cowling & Wilcox Exclusive Acrylic Brush Set (from Da Vinci)

Made exclusively for Cowling & Wilcox by Da Vinci, our Acrylic Brush Set contains six high quality brushes, designed specifically for use with Acrylic Colour. 

How are round and flat brushes best used?

A round brush is ideal for filling in small areas, controlled washes and detailed work. Using a round brush, the artist is able to create lines of varying thicknesses, depending on the amount of pressure exerted.  This is due to the brush’s thin tip becoming wider the more the brush is pressed down. A flat brush is ideal for producing bold strokes, filling wide spaces, and blending colours. The edge of a flat brush can be used to create fine lines, straight edges and stripes. Long haired flat brushes are perfect for varnishing.

Which are best, hog or synthetic brushes?

Hog and synthetic brushes have different qualities which should be taken into account, alongside the desired effect the artist wishes to create. Synthetic brushes are particularly suitable for paint that has been diluted, with either water or solvent, as the hairs remain strong and durable. Synthetic hairs give a much softer, less textured effect, enabling the artist to create fine detail if required.

Hog bristles have long been used in the manufacture of paintbrushes, as they are extremely resilient and flexible. Each individual bristle has a broad, sturdy base and a tapered tip, which splits into several fine filaments, giving an excellent capacity for holding paint. The stiffness of hog bristles provides good flow and texture, ease of blending, and ensures even application.

Why choose the Cowling & Wilcox Acrylic Brush Set?

Providing a good selection of brushes, the Cowling & Wilcox Acrylic Brush Set contains three flat brushes, in sizes 4, 6 & 12, and three round brushes in sizes 2, 4 & 6.

What do the size numbers mean?

The size of a brush is indicated by a number printed on the handle, and refers to the width of the ferrule. A higher number means a wider brush. It should be noted that consistency between brush manufacturers, when calculating brush size, can vary. Therefore, a size 10 brush in one brand may not be the same as a size 10 in another brand. In some instances, there may also be size variations between a manufacturer’s different ranges.

How should I care for my Cowling & Wilcox Acrylic Brush Set?

It is important to clean brushes thoroughly to prevent bristles losing their interlocking quality, and standing apart. Particular attention should be paid to the edge of the ferrule, where dried paint can become embedded, and result in bristle breakage.

The methods for cleaning brushes differ, depending on the type of paint used. The following video shows how to Clean Acrylic Paint Brushes.

To help preserve the condition of the bristles, a specialist brush cleaner may also be used.

When storing brushes for any length of time, care should be taken to ensure they are clean and absolutely dry, to prevent mildew developing. Keeping brushes in a box, with a tight-fitting lid, guards against both mildew and moth damage.

What strokes are produced with round and flat brushes?

 Click here to see how round and flat brush strokes compare with those of other brush types.

Who are Da Vinci?

Owned by the German company Defet, the Da Vinci brand was patented in 1952. The company’s philosophy to use only the best materials, traditional craftsmanship, and technological progress ensures Da Vinci brushes are of the highest quality.