PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Raphael 8404 Series Kolinsky Sable Brushes
Premium Artist Brushes for Watercolour & Miniature Painting
🖌️ From Hobby Heaven - Your Trusted Art Supply Source 🖌️
Why Artists Choose Raphael 8404 Series
The Raphael 8404 Series represents the pinnacle of brush craftsmanship, loved by professional artists and serious hobbyists alike. Established in 1793, Raphael has perfected these brushes through centuries of expertise, creating tools that respond to the lightest touch and maintain their shape through rigorous use.
Whether you're creating delicate watercolour washes, painting precise miniature details, or working with gouache and inks, these brushes deliver exceptional performance that elevates your artistic capabilities.
⭐ Premium Materials & Master Craftsmanship
- ✅ Genuine Kolinsky Sable Hair - Sourced from the golden-red Siberian weasel for unmatched springiness and durability
- ✅ Seamless Nickel-Plated Brass Ferrule - Prevents corrosion and unwanted paint buildup
- ✅ Ergonomic Black Lacquered Handle - With iconic orange tip for reduced hand fatigue during long painting sessions
- ✅ Factory-Tested Quality - Every brush passes rigorous quality control standards
Exceptional Performance Benefits
🔍 Needle-Sharp Precision
Maintains its perfect point even after extensive use, allowing you to paint microscopic details like:
- Miniature figure eyes and facial features
- Fine botanical veins in flower studies
- Delicate architectural elements in landscapes
- Thin lines for calligraphy and lettering
💧 Superior Water Retention
Holds exceptional amounts of water and pigment, enabling you to:
- Create smooth, consistent washes without reloading
- Blend colours seamlessly on your paper
- Achieve gradient effects with minimal effort
- Work longer between dips in your palette
🎨 Versatile Application
Perfect for multiple mediums and techniques:
- Watercolour (from detailed work to broad washes)
- Gouache and tempera painting
- Miniature and model painting
- Ink work and line drawing
📏 Size Guide: Finding Your Perfect Brush
| Size | Approx. Width | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 6/0, 5/0, 4/0 | ~1.5mm | Microscopic details, miniature eyes, jewelry painting |
| 3/0, 2/0, 0 | ~2.2mm | Fine details, small miniature work, precise botanical elements |
| 1, 2, 3 | ~3-4mm | General painting, character details, versatile all-purpose size |
| 4, 6, 8 | ~5-8mm | Medium washes, larger details, efficient base coating |
| 10, 12, 16 | ~10mm+ | Broad washes, large area coverage, background work |
Pro Tip: Most artists find that having a size 0, 2, and 6 covers most painting needs from fine details to larger areas.
💬 What Professional Artists Say
"The Raphael 8404 holds a perfect tip for eyelash-thin lines. Once you try Kolinsky, synthetic brushes feel like children's tools."
— Award-winning miniature artist
"The butter-smooth application and zero curling even after weeks of use make these brushes worth every penny. They've genuinely improved my painting quality."
— Professional watercolourist
⚖️ How Does It Compare?
| Feature | Raphael 8404 | Other Kolinsky Brushes | Synthetic Brushes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Premium Kolinsky (golden-red) | Various Kolinsky qualities (often shorter cut) | Nylon/Polyester blend |
| Tip Precision | Needle-sharp, maintains point | Good to Very Good | Dulls quickly with use |
| Water Retention | Exceptional | Good | Limited |
| Ferrule Quality | Seamless nickel-plated brass | Varies by manufacturer | Often aluminum |
| Durability | Years with proper care | 1-3 years typically | Months of regular use |
| Best For | Competition-level work | Serious hobbyists | Beginners/casual use |
🧼 Care Instructions: Preserving Your Investment
Do's:
- Clean thoroughly after each painting session with mild soap (brush soap recommended)
- Reshape the tip with your fingers while damp
- Dry horizontally or tip-up to prevent water damage to the handle
- Store in brush holders that protect the tip when not in use
Don'ts:
- Never soak in water (prevents glue deterioration in the ferrule)
- Avoid leaving paint to dry in the bristles
- Don't store bristles-down in containers
- Never use with harsh chemicals or adhesives
With proper care, your Raphael 8404 brush will serve you faithfully for years!
Perfect For:
- 🎨 Watercolour artists seeking precision
- 🏆 Competition painters demanding the best
- 🧙♂️ Miniature enthusiasts (Warhammer, D&D, etc.)
- 🖼️ Professional illustrators and fine artists
- 🎁 Gift for the serious artist in your life
- 🌿 Botanical artists requiring fine detail
📦 What's Included
- ✅ 1x Raphael 8404 Kolinsky Sable Brush in your selected size
- ✅ Protective tube for safe storage and transport
- ✅ Hobby Heaven care guide with tips for maximizing brush life
- ✅ Authenticity guarantee - we only sell genuine Raphael products
🏆 Why Buy From Hobby Heaven?
- ⭐ Artist-Run Shop - We use what we sell and only stock products we believe in
- ⭐ Fast Dispatch - Orders placed before 3pm shipped same day (Mon-Fri)
- ⭐ Secure Packaging - Your brushes arrive in perfect condition, guaranteed
- ⭐ Expert Advice - Questions? We're here to help you select the right tools
Ready to Elevate Your Painting?
Select your size from the options above and add to basket!
Questions? Contact us through eBay messaging for personalized recommendations.
Hobby Heaven - Supplying Quality Art Materials to Artists Worldwide
Fast Dispatch • Secure Packaging • Authentic Products • Expert Service
Specifications
- Brand Raphaël
- Item Brushes
- Type Watercolour Brushes
- Brush Shape Round
- Medium Watercolour Painting
Welcome to Hobby Heaven!
We're a brand built by passionate hobbyists for hobbyists. Our mission is to support all your creative endeavors, whether you're into modeling, wargaming, crafting, or art. As enthusiasts ourselves, we understand the importance of quality supplies at affordable prices.
Our carefully curated selection of high-quality materials is designed to inspire and empower hobbyists and artists alike. We're particularly proud of our innovative, cost-effective basing system - a game-changer for modelers and wargamers looking for professional results without breaking the bank.
At Hobby Heaven, we're dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring your creative projects are a success. Our team is always ready to offer advice, share techniques, or help you find the perfect supplies for your next masterpiece.
Thank you for choosing us as your trusted partner in creativity. We're excited to be part of your hobby journey!
We accept payment by PayPal and Credit / Debit cards entered on eBay only. You must be registered with PayPal or eBay to buy from us.
Please ensure that all items are returned in their original condition. Returns are processed within 1-2 business days of receipt. Refunds are issued minus the original shipping cost. All returns are handled in accordance with eBay's policies.
At Hobby Heaven, we strive to provide our customers with the best possible online shopping experience. Our commitment to excellent customer service extends well beyond the delivery of your order.
We encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns regarding your purchase. The most convenient way to contact us is through the eBay messaging system.
Our dedicated customer service team responds to messages within 24 hours, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM GMT.
Your satisfaction is our top priority. We're here to help and look forward to assisting you!
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING ABOUT US
| Perfect, and just as described. Thank you. | xl5-2000 (273 ) |
| Amazing! A+++++ will use again!!! | thehawiianbo (278 ) |
| Slots are a little thin on the base for metal models but great price, nice bases! | olibou_6 (75 ) |
| Great item and seller. Really quick postage and well packaged. Thanks very much! | the-rock-you (1351 ) |
| Fast delivery and well packed and good communication and would buy from again. Thanks | sniperw-38 (1167 ) |
