Raphael 8404 Kolinsky Round No. 3

I'm a watercolor artist and have three of these brushes in sizes 3, 4, and 8. They are very high-quality brushes. The 8 is really good for large washes and holds SO much water. The 3 is my go-to brush for pretty much everything. These are larger than most other round brushes I've used. The size 3 is closer to a size 4 from other brands I've used, and the 8 is more like a 10. I admit, I'm not as gentle with these as I probably should be. After many uses on the highly textured cold press paper I use, the tips have lost their super pointy-ness, but that doesn't bother me too much, and I know I'm partly to blame for the way I man-handle them :) They're still excellent brushes that I get a lot of use from. They don't fray at all like synthetic brushes. Very well-made brushes that will last for years, even with heavy use. Highly recommend for watercolor artists to have in their collection.

I'm a big fan of the Raphael brushes as an alternative to Winsor and Newton. They are larger in terms of size, so that a 3 in the 8404 is more like a 4 in W+N (English) sizing. Body is nicely laquered with a very classy ferrule. I have size 3 and 4 only, and they carry a great deal of ink/paint while maintaining a firm tip. They handle differently from a W+N Series 7, but the line quality is good and the brush will last a long time with maintenance. The main problem these days is finding them.

After researching the top suggested brushes for Miniature Painting, I found the Raphael 8404 mentioned as a footnote. I tried it when I found one available and have never gone back to W&N series 7 or needed to try any other brand. They last incredibly well (with the proper care) and hold an incredible tip. The size 3 I use for all of my miniature painting. The point is fine enough for eyes and other tiny details, while the body holds paint well for coating larger surfaces. I can’t recommend these enough! The associated photo is a miniature painted entirely with the size 3 8404.

I love this brush, but, as usual, Amazon’s packing and protection was practically non existent. They wrapped the brush in Cellophane and tossed it in a big box with a book and no other packing material. It’s a miracle it wasn’t damaged.

Once the tip loses its point it becomes a constant struggle to try to return it. No amount of rinsing and twirling on and an edge would work. The belly holds a lot of wash and straight ink, but once that point is gone there’s no going back. I’m going to stick with Winsor & Newton, although that’s not a plug, just my preference.

Once you try an 8404 for fine detail work, you won't be able to paint with anything else. Nothing achieves so fine a line, even on cold-press paper. Perfect for watercolor. The larger sizes cover quickly, but maintain a sharp point for details. A very versatile brush, worth 20 lesser brushes.

The Raphael 8404 lives up to it's rep.Excellent point and snap and consistently does the trick.I ink comic books and found it to be just what I needed.The key question is how well it does a year from now which is based on how I maintain it.But all in all,it's the best inking brush I own.

Got this for my husband who paints mini warhammer figurines. Best brush he owns.