da Vinci DRY BRUSH brush set 4179, 3 dry brushes for miniatures

da Vinci DRY BRUSH brush set – three brushes for dry brushing effects

The da Vinci DRY BRUSH brush set (art. no. 4179) contains three brushes for the dry brush technique in miniature painting and model making. With this technique you can imitate rust, dirt and weathering, and pick out wood grain as well as the look of steel or fabric.

The short white synthetic fibres imitate goat hair. According to da Vinci, they are more durable than natural hair and do not break, even with intensive use. The set is vegan. The fibres sit in a silver ferrule, and the black, matt handles are short and hexagonal. This lets you hold the brushes close to the fibres and control the pressure, even on small figures.

Working with the dry brush technique

In dry brushing, you apply only a very small amount of paint. Dab the fibres into the paint, then wipe the brush on kitchen paper until it is almost dry. Then stroke over the surface with light, quick strokes. The paint catches on raised edges and textures and leaves recesses untouched. This creates edge highlights, rust streaks, wear or the grain of wood. The most common mistake is using too much paint: it then covers the whole surface and the effect is lost. It is better to build up the effect in several thin layers.

Which brush for what?

The set contains three shapes that cover different areas.

• Series 140, size 6 (flat): for straight edges and flat areas
• Series 143, size 12 (round): for smaller, irregular areas
• Series 145, size 10 (filbert, oval): for curved surfaces and soft transitions

da Vinci DRY BRUSH set 4179 product details

• Manufacturer: da Vinci, set no. 4179
• Contents: 3 brushes (1× series 145 size 10, 1× series 143 size 12, 1× series 140 size 6)
• Shapes: filbert (oval), round, flat
• Fibres: white synthetic fibres, vegan
• Ferrule: silver-coloured
• Handle: short, black, matt, hexagonal
• Brush length: 155–160 mm
• Use: dry brush technique

You will also need: paint for your miniatures or models, and kitchen paper or a cloth for wiping off the brush.