Description

Founded in Paris in 1793, Raphaël is Europe’s oldest fine art brush manufacturer and has earned a worldwide reputation for producing some of the finest handmade artist brushes available. Every brush is carefully crafted using premium Kolinsky sable hair, delivering exceptional control, colour carrying capacity, and an incredibly fine natural point. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all brush, the Raphaël Kolinsky range includes several specialised series, each designed to suit different painting techniques and artistic styles.

Understanding the range:
In simple terms, the 8400 series are round brushes that vary in length and paint capacity to suit different painting styles, while the 8800 series are specialist liner brushes designed specifically for producing fine, continuous lines. Together, they provide a complete range for artists who need everything from broad washes to the finest detail.

Raphaël Kolinsky Sable Brush Series at a Glance:

• 8400 – Short round – Controlled detail work.
• 8402 – Extra-fine round – Precision and intricate details.
• 8404 – Versatile round – All-round painting.
• 8408 – Long round – Flowing strokes and expressive watercolour work.
• 8802 – Extra-long rigger – Smooth, continuous lines.
• 88026 – Fine detail liner – Ultra-precise line work and tiny details.

Series 8404 Kolinsky Sable Round
The 8404 is Raphaël’s most recognised all-purpose Kolinsky sable brush. Its generous belly holds a large amount of paint while the fine point provides outstanding control for detailed work. This balance of capacity and precision makes it equally popular with watercolour artists and miniature painters, allowing smooth washes, controlled layering, and delicate finishing details with a single brush.

• Kolinsky Sable Round French-made Kolinsky sable. Exceptional flow and point. The miniature painter’s benchmark.
• Key features: Balanced paint capacity and precision.
• Best for: General painting, watercolour, miniatures.

Series 8400 Kolinsky Sable Round Retouch/Spotter.
The 8400 offers a shorter, more compact profile than the 8404, giving artists a firmer feel and greater control over every stroke. With slightly less paint capacity, it is particularly well suited to painters who prioritise precision and prefer a brush that responds quickly during detailed work.

• Kolinsky Sable Round Kolinsky sable round with a shorter profile than 8404. Controlled precision for detail work.
• Key features: Shorter hair with a firmer feel.
• Best for: Controlled detail work.

Series 8402 Kolinsky Sable Detail Round.
Designed specifically for ultra-fine detail, the 8402 features a slender profile and an exceptionally sharp point. It sacrifices paint capacity in favour of maximum precision, making it ideal for intricate botanical illustration, miniature painting, delicate line work, and the smallest finishing touches.

• Kolinsky Sable Round Kolinsky sable extra fine point for ultra-precise detail work. The precision specialist
• Key features: Extra-fine point with minimal paint capacity.
• Best for: Ultra-fine details, botanical illustration, & miniature painting.

Series 8408 Kolinsky Sable Long Round.
The 8408 features the longest hair length within the Kolinsky round collection. Its extended profile allows the brush to carry more paint and produce beautifully fluid, uninterrupted strokes. Favoured by watercolourists and botanical artists, it excels at expressive painting, flowing lines, and controlled washes.

• Kolinsky Sable Round Long-haired Kolinsky sable round for watercolour and botanical work. Maximum flow and capacity.
• Key features: Watercolour washes and expressive strokes
• Best for: Longest hair and maximum paint capacity.

Series 8802 Kolinsky Sable Rigger.
Originally developed for painting the rigging on model ships, the 8802 uses long, fine Kolinsky hairs to produce extended, continuous lines without frequent reloading. It is ideal for tree branches, grasses, lettering, decorative line work, ropes, wires, and other flowing linear details where consistency is essential.

• Kolinsky Sable Rigger/Liner Kolinsky fine detail liner for ultra-thin lines and intricate script work.
• Key features: Traditional rigger with extended hair length.
• Best for: Long continuous lines.

Series 88026 Kolinsky Sable Fine Detail Liner.
The 88026 refines the traditional rigger concept into a shorter, more controlled liner for extremely precise work. Designed for tiny lettering, intricate scrollwork, fine outlines, and delicate decorative details, it provides exceptional control where even a standard rigger may feel too long or flexible.

• Kolinsky Sable Rigger/Liner Kolinsky sable rigger for long, flowing lines. Script work, rigging, and fine linear detail.
• Key features: Shorter liner for maximum control and precision.
• Best for: Intricate fine line work.

Care Tips for Longevity

• Rinse thoroughly with warm water after use.
• Use brush cleaner or mild soap especially after oil painting.
• Don’t let paint dry in the ferrule, that’s a common cause of damage.
• Reshape the bristles while damp before storing.
• Store handles upright or flat to keep tips precise.
• These brushes are forgiving and durable, but good care will keep them performing well for years.