Winsor & Newton Hog Long Handle Short Flat/Bright Brush

The most obvious advantage is that using a synthetic brush is kind to animals, but synthetic brushes also tend to be more durable and longer lasting than a natural hair brush. Furthermore, synthetic brushes do not expand in water and tips of brushes also stay finer for longer. This can prove helpful when applying paint for fine detailing.

If your brush has misshapen, you can do so by soaking in boiling water and allowing brush to reshape. Please keep in mind that if your brush is resting on its bristles, this will affect its shape so take care when soaking. Should you wish to retain the point of your brush, you can do so by dipping in gum Arabic and reshaping. Make sure you leave your brush to dry fully before using after applying gum Arabic, as the medium could potentially change the effect of the paint you are using.

This all depends on the kind of paint used. Hog bristles are traditionally used for oil painting, as the hard-wearing nature of hog hair allows for it to withstand the solvents and harsh substances needed for cleaning oil paint from brushes. To clean oil paints from your hog brush you will need to use a white spirit to clean the initial oil paint from your brush.

To clean acrylic paint from your hog brush you can use warm water, along with a brush soap should you want a more thorough clean. Please note that acrylic paint dries quickly and once dry it can prove difficult to restore your brush back to its best quality. You should aim to wash acrylic paint from your brush before it dries.