da Vinci 499DV traditional watercolour brush with metal tip, size 3

da Vinci 499DV series watercolour brush – squirrel hair round brush with metal tip for sketching

The da Vinci 499DV series watercolour brush in size 3 is a round, pointed brush made from pure blue Russian squirrel hair, for watercolour, washes, silk painting and calligraphy. At the end of the handle is an Ethergraf® metal tip, which you can use to sketch your design on paper before applying the paint. That way you do not need a second tool for sketching and painting.

Squirrel hair (also known as "Petit Gris Pur") is a soft natural hair. According to da Vinci, it holds a lot of paint and glides softly over the paper. The hairs are set in a transparent plastic quill. The short handle is made of Kebony® wood from sustainable European forestry. The hairs are traditionally bound.

Working with the brush

First sketch your design on the paper with the metal tip, pressing only lightly so that the paper is not indented. Then turn the brush round and paint over the sketch. The round shape holds plenty of water and paint and tapers to a fine point. Use the tip for details and lines, and the belly of the brush to lay in areas and blend transitions. It is also suitable for silk painting, calligraphy and lettering. Try the metal tip first on a corner of your paper, as the effect of the line depends on the paper.

Size and care

No. 3 is a medium size for studies, sketches and small to medium-sized subjects. For large areas of water, choose a larger round brush. After painting, rinse the brush in clear, lukewarm water, reshape the hairs and leave it to dry lying flat or hanging. Do not stand it in water with the hairs pointing down, as they will bend.

da Vinci 499DV watercolour brush product details

• Manufacturer: da Vinci, series 499, art. no. 499DV
• Size: no. 3
• Shape: round, pointed
• Hair: pure blue Russian squirrel hair (Petit Gris Pur), set in a transparent plastic quill
• Handle: short, Kebony® wood
• Handle end: Ethergraf® metal tip for sketching
• Techniques: watercolour, washes, silk painting, calligraphy
• Contents: 1 piece

You will also need: watercolour paints, watercolour paper, water