12 Synthetic Stippling Brush

12 Synthetic Stippling Brush, a stippling brush (AMMO of Mig Jimenez)

A stippling brush in size 12 from AMMO of Mig Jimenez. Stippling means dabbing, not brush strokes. The filaments are stiff, synthetic and irregularly trimmed; the brush is held at right angles to the surface and the paint is dabbed onto the model with short touches of the tip. The synthetic filaments of this range are solvent-resistant, so the brush copes with acrylics, enamels and oil paints alike.

What it is used for

• Chipping: flaked finish and scuffs applied with a brush.
• Rust, random patches and irregular dirt.
• Rough textures on terrain, buildings and vehicles; spreading gels for water effects.
• Wood grain and streaking effects, thanks to the irregular trim of the filaments.
• Pressing decals into a rough texture with the help of softeners.

Compared with strokes, dabbing has one essential advantage: it takes the regularity out of a pattern. Scuffs painted freehand tend to be suspiciously even and rhythmic, while dabbed ones look random and therefore natural. Work a little at a time, dabbing off any excess paint on a piece of paper first, and build up layers until the effect has the right density.

Who it is for

For modelers of military equipment, figure painters and diorama builders who do chipping, rust and texture effects. The number 12 is the size of the brush; it suits areas and larger sections rather than the finest detail.

Never dip the brush as far as the ferrule; paint that dries at the root of the filaments will ruin it for good. Wash it out immediately after painting (acrylics with water, enamels and lacquers with the appropriate thinner) and let it dry with the filaments upwards. Never leave it standing soaked in a jar of thinner, as the filaments bend and the brush is finished.