Question 1

Is this animal cruelty free?

Accepted Answer

I think that if you ❤️ to watercolor (or paint in general with a paintbrush) and wanting a cruelty free brush only then you’re possibly going to have give up painting, or you can patent  a 100% cruelty free brush that will perform.  Most synthetic brushes are way more harmful to animals and our environment.  The chemicals used in the process of the manufacturing of these mixed materials And brushes harms our environment and therefore the things that  live in it. 
 I believe the majority of people, when asked to choose between anything  Natural or Synthetic are going to choose natural.  I guess  I could also be making assumptions by saying that and apologize if anyone finds this offensive.  Just stating some facts in case you weren’t aware that chemicals are used when processing most materials.  
One last thing....  this question could have been completely avoided with a little common sense because if there was such a group of people who held the title of “professional squirrel/weasel hair plucker” then possibly the question would make sense  jt I just don’t see anyone holding shears and intricately trimming the tail hairs of a squirrel let alone a feral weasel in the harsh Siberian winter months.   that’s just plain silly! Although i could be  wrong about this as well and then  i guess I will be  the only thing that sounds silly then.

Question 2

Are these brushes a good substitute for Kolinsky Sable?

Accepted Answer

They are a lower priced alternative to kolinsky sable, especially in larger sizes. The Mix F and Mix B are unique to da Vinci - no other brush manufacturer has anything like it.

Question 3

What are the differences between Da Vinci Mix F (series 5550) & Da Vinci Mix B (series 5530)? Which one is better?

Accepted Answer

The Da Vinci Cosmotop Mix F Brushes use a mix of Kolinsky Red Sable, Ox, and Black Sable Hair, along with some synthetic filaments. This allows for a slightly stiffer feel with more snap and spring, often considered better suited for general watercolor painting and areas of greater detail.Sizes to choose depend on the size of the pictures being painted. It is recommended that you check the actual measurements for each size and compare that to the size and technique being used. Large, gestural work will require larger brushes, but smaller or more detailed works will require some finer brush tips, at least for some passages.The Cosmotop Mix B uses a mix of Kolinsky Sable, Squirrel, Black Sable, and synthetic filaments, which make for a similar brush with less spring but greater water carrying capacity. Both brushes will perform well, but the Mix B will perform better for larger washes.

Question 4

How big is the da vinci watercolor series 510 paint brush, mottler russian blue squirrel hair petit gris pur, size 40?

Accepted Answer

40 mm wide. 50mm is roughly 2 inches. The size refers to the width in mm.

ASIN	B00409J9ZO
Batteries Included	No
Batteries Required?	No
Customer Reviews	4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (51)
Date First Available	October 13, 2011
Model Number	418-000
Paint Type	Watercolor

Da Vinci Series 418 Pure Blue Squirrel Quill-Petit Gris Pur Watercolor Mop, Size 3/0

Details

Details

Description

Specifications

Reviews

Common Questions