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What kind of brush for gold painting?

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Kviljo
For those of you who have been painting fine details with powdered gold and oil colours - what kind of brush do you prefer?

Should the hairs be long or short, stiff or soft? Martens hairs?

Also, what kind of size is best? Is 000 or 00 too thin?


I tried painting some details on a quiver yesterday, and I must say it gives some extra respect for the amazing paintwork seen on some old bows. There must be a large amount of technique to learn here. Very interesting stuff.
Arry
I hope Adam Karpowicz and Francesco Alessi give us a few hints, their bows are so beautifully painted.
Adam Karpowicz
The best is a sable hair brush, a longer kind 00 or even 0 (depending how ambitious you are). The longer brush makes it easier to vary the thickness of the line (by applying more or less pressure) - the true sign of a good calligrapher.

Straight, even thickness line is easier to draw with a pen.

Adam
Kviljo
Thanks! It makes sense that the longer ones will make it easier. Gosh, that probably also means that each of the lines should be done in one fluid motion, hehe, and not shakingly with a tense arm one milimeter at a time :mrgreen:

What a challenge!