Q Is it possible to limit the damage inflicted by Art Masking Fluid on my brushes?

A Although some artists swear by petroleum fluid (Vaseline), soap or petrol, our tests do not show any of these methods to be 100 per cent reliable or safe. The masking fluid should be as fresh as possible and washed from the brush with soap within a split second of use. Use low-priced brushes or old ones if possible. If fine lines are required, a goose quill is ideal; for larger areas, a colour shaper is excellent. The masking fluid can be rubbed from both of these. If you accidentally allow Art Masking Fluid to dry on one of your favourite brushes, prolonged soaking in WD40 will start to release the solid fluid.



Q I would like to paint some watercolour miniatures. What are the best brushes for painting miniatures?

A When painting miniatures, most brushes have too long a ‘length out’ from the ferrule. The large belly carries too much colour and obscures the view of the painting. Series 7 Miniatures are short stubby sables that allow the point of the brush to meet the handle without the belly getting in the way. These come in sizes 000 to 6; use the smaller sizes for smaller pictures. Series 7 is the world's finest watercolour brush. The standards of quality for this brush were set in 1866, when Her Majesty Queen Victoria gave orders that Winsor & Newton should produce the very finest watercolour brushes in her favourite size, the No.7. Today, Series 7 is manufactured from only the finest pure Kolinsky sable hair, in rust-proof, seamless nickel-plated ferrules with black polished handles.