PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Raphaël SoftAqua Series 805 Professional Watercolour Brush

🎨 Raphaël SoftAqua Series 805

Professional Watercolour Brush — Pointed Mop (Quill)

Why Artists Choose SoftAqua 805

The Raphaël SoftAqua 805 is a professional-grade watercolour brush that brings together the best qualities of natural squirrel hair with the durability and ethics of modern synthetic fibres. Developed by Raphaël's R&D department, this brush offers exceptional water retention, precise control, and a beautifully soft touch that watercolourists, designers, and illustrators truly appreciate.

The Pointed Mop (Quill) shape features a generous belly that holds plenty of pigment and water, tapering to a fine point for detailed work. Whether you're creating sweeping washes or delicate lines, this brush responds beautifully to your hand movements.

💧 What Makes SoftAqua Special?

Patented SoftAqua synthetic fibre is not just another synthetic brush. Here's what sets it apart:

Wavy structure: Creates micro-spaces that trap water and pigment, holding twice as much liquid as standard synthetic fibres
Mimics Petit Gris squirrel hair: Delivers the same softness, flexibility, and capacity without using animal fur
Perfect spring-back: Returns to its original shape after every stroke, maintaining that crisp point
Bulb-shaped design: Wide belly for broad washes with a sharp tip for fine details and edges

✅ Authorised Seller: Hobby Heaven works directly with Raphaël's official distributor, guaranteeing you receive genuine products with full manufacturer quality.

🎨 Perfect For These Techniques

The SoftAqua 805 excels with water-based and semi-transparent media. Here's how you can use it:

Medium	Recommended Use
Watercolour	Ideal for broad washes, gradients, and fine details. The large water capacity lets you work longer without reloading
Ink	Excellent control over ink flow for calligraphy, illustration, and line work
Gouache	Maintains softness even with thicker, more opaque paint applications
Aquatint / Silk Painting	Enables smooth, even application of coloured washes and dyes
Diluted Acrylic	Great for light glazes and transparent layering techniques

💡 Practical tip: The short black handle provides excellent balance and control for watercolour work. The elasticity of the fibres combined with the handle length gives you precise command over paint flow and brush movement.

📏 Size Guide — Finding Your Perfect Brush

Series 805 comes in multiple sizes to match your painting needs. Here's what each size is best for:

Size	Belly Diameter	Hair Length	Best For
3/0	5mm	19mm	Fine details, precise lines, miniatures
0	7mm	23mm	Small washes, botanical illustration
2	9mm	28mm	Universal washes, general painting
4	11mm	34mm	Medium surfaces, landscape work
6	14mm	38mm	Larger areas, skies, backgrounds
8	17mm	42mm	Full washes, large backgrounds, gradients

🎯 Most popular: Sizes 2 and 4 are versatile choices that handle everything from detailed work to medium washes, making them ideal for beginners and professionals alike.

🧼 How to Care For Your Brush

Proper care will keep your SoftAqua 805 performing beautifully for years. Follow these simple steps:

✨ Cleaning Process

Rinse immediately after use in lukewarm water
Use gentle soap — natural Marseille soap or synthetic brush cleaner works best
Reshape the tip gently with your fingers while the brush is damp
Dry bristles down or horizontally in a well-ventilated area
Store in a dry place away from direct sunlight

⚠️ What to Avoid

Never submerge the ferrule (metal part) — water or solvent can dissolve the adhesive
Avoid hot water — it can damage the synthetic fibres
Don't use harsh detergents — they strip the protective coating from the fibres
Never leave standing in water — this weakens the ferrule bond and deforms the bristles

🔧 Pro maintenance tip: Once every few months, use a specialised brush conditioner to keep the synthetic fibres in optimal condition. This helps maintain the water retention properties.

❓ Questions Artists Ask

Does the brush split or lose its point?

No. SoftAqua fibres are engineered with perfect spring-back memory. After each stroke, the brush returns to its original sharp point. Unlike some synthetics that develop a "split personality" over time, these fibres maintain their cohesive structure throughout their lifespan.

Can I use this with acrylics or tempera?

Yes, with dilution. The SoftAqua 805 works beautifully with water-thinned acrylics and tempera. However, for thick, undiluted acrylic paint, consider the Raphaël Kaërell series which features firmer synthetic bristles designed for heavier mediums.

How does this compare to natural Petit Gris squirrel?

The SoftAqua 805 matches the water capacity and softness of natural squirrel hair while offering better durability and consistency. You won't experience shedding or variable quality between brushes. Plus, it's a cruelty-free choice that performs just as well, if not better, than natural alternatives.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. While it's professional-grade, the SoftAqua 805 is incredibly forgiving and responsive. Beginners will appreciate how easy it is to control, while professionals love its consistent performance and longevity.

Will it work on rough watercolour paper?

Yes. The synthetic fibres are more resilient than natural hair when working on textured surfaces. The brush glides smoothly over rough paper without excessive wear, making it ideal for cold-pressed and rough watercolour papers.

🏆 Why Buy From Hobby Heaven?

We're not just another online shop — we're a family-run business of genuine art enthusiasts who understand your needs as a creator.

📦 Fast Dispatch

Royal Mail 24 shipping on the same working day for orders placed before our cut-off time

↩️ Easy Returns

30-day return policy with no hidden fees or complicated processes

✅ Authorised Seller

Direct partnership with Raphaël's official distributor — guaranteed authentic products

💬 Expert Support

Speak with experienced artists who genuinely understand your craft and materials

✨ The Bottom Line

The Raphaël SoftAqua 805 represents a masterful fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. It delivers the beloved softness and water capacity of natural squirrel hair with the durability, consistency, and ethics of synthetic fibres. Whether you're laying down sweeping skies, painting delicate botanical details, or exploring expressive ink techniques, this brush responds to your hand with precision and grace. Professionals trust it. Beginners love it. Your artwork deserves it.

Hobby Heaven — Supporting Artists Across the UK 🎨

Questions? Our team is here to help you choose the perfect tools for your creative journey.

Raphaël SoftAqua Series 805 Professional Watercolour Brush 🎨 Raphaël SoftAqua Series 805 Professional Watercolour Brush — Pointed Mop (Quill) Why Artists Choose SoftAqua 805 The Raphaël SoftAqua 805 is a professional-grade watercolour brush that brings together the best qualities of natural squirrel hair with the durability and ethics of modern synthetic fibres. Developed by Raphaël's R&D department, this brush offers exceptional water retention, precise control, and a beautifully soft touch that watercolourists, designers, and illustrators truly appreciate. The Pointed Mop (Quill) shape features a generous belly that holds plenty of pigment and water, tapering to a fine point for detailed work. Whether you're creating sweeping washes or delicate lines, this brush responds beautifully to your hand movements. 💧 What Makes SoftAqua Special? Patented SoftAqua synthetic fibre is not just another synthetic brush. Here's what sets it apart: Wavy structure: Creates micro-spaces that trap water and pigment, holding twice as much liquid as standard synthetic fibres Mimics Petit Gris squirrel hair: Delivers the same softness, flexibility, and capacity without using animal fur Perfect spring-back: Returns to its original shape after every stroke, maintaining that crisp point Bulb-shaped design: Wide belly for broad washes with a sharp tip for fine details and edges ✅ Authorised Seller: Hobby Heaven works directly with Raphaël's official distributor, guaranteeing you receive genuine products with full manufacturer quality. 🎨 Perfect For These Techniques The SoftAqua 805 excels with water-based and semi-transparent media. Here's how you can use it: Medium Recommended Use Watercolour Ideal for broad washes, gradients, and fine details. The large water capacity lets you work longer without reloading Ink Excellent control over ink flow for calligraphy, illustration, and line work Gouache Maintains softness even with thicker, more opaque paint applications Aquatint / Silk Painting Enables smooth, even application of coloured washes and dyes Diluted Acrylic Great for light glazes and transparent layering techniques 💡 Practical tip: The short black handle provides excellent balance and control for watercolour work. The elasticity of the fibres combined with the handle length gives you precise command over paint flow and brush movement. 📏 Size Guide — Finding Your Perfect Brush Series 805 comes in multiple sizes to match your painting needs. Here's what each size is best for: Size Belly Diameter Hair Length Best For 3/0 5mm 19mm Fine details, precise lines, miniatures 0 7mm 23mm Small washes, botanical illustration 2 9mm 28mm Universal washes, general painting 4 11mm 34mm Medium surfaces, landscape work 6 14mm 38mm Larger areas, skies, backgrounds 8 17mm 42mm Full washes, large backgrounds, gradients 🎯 Most popular: Sizes 2 and 4 are versatile choices that handle everything from detailed work to medium washes, making them ideal for beginners and professionals alike. 🧼 How to Care For Your Brush Proper care will keep your SoftAqua 805 performing beautifully for years. Follow these simple steps: ✨ Cleaning Process Rinse immediately after use in lukewarm water Use gentle soap — natural Marseille soap or synthetic brush cleaner works best Reshape the tip gently with your fingers while the brush is damp Dry bristles down or horizontally in a well-ventilated area Store in a dry place away from direct sunlight ⚠️ What to Avoid Never submerge the ferrule (metal part) — water or solvent can dissolve the adhesive Avoid hot water — it can damage the synthetic fibres Don't use harsh detergents — they strip the protective coating from the fibres Never leave standing in water — this weakens the ferrule bond and deforms the bristles 🔧 Pro maintenance tip: Once every few months, use a specialised brush conditioner to keep the synthetic fibres in optimal condition. This helps maintain the water retention properties. ❓ Questions Artists Ask Does the brush split or lose its point? No. SoftAqua fibres are engineered with perfect spring-back memory. After each stroke, the brush returns to its original sharp point. Unlike some synthetics that develop a "split personality" over time, these fibres maintain their cohesive structure throughout their lifespan. Can I use this with acrylics or tempera? Yes, with dilution. The SoftAqua 805 works beautifully with water-thinned acrylics and tempera. However, for thick, undiluted acrylic paint, consider the Raphaël Kaërell series which features firmer synthetic bristles designed for heavier mediums. How does this compare to natural Petit Gris squirrel? The SoftAqua 805 matches the water capacity and softness of natural squirrel hair while offering better durability and consistency. You won't experience shedding or variable quality between brushes. Plus, it's a cruelty-free choice that performs just as well, if not better, than natural alternatives. Is this suitable for beginners? Absolutely. While it's professional-grade, the SoftAqua 805 is incredibly forgiving and responsive. Beginners will appreciate how easy it is to control, while professionals love its consistent performance and longevity. Will it work on rough watercolour paper? Yes. The synthetic fibres are more resilient than natural hair when working on textured surfaces. The brush glides smoothly over rough paper without excessive wear, making it ideal for cold-pressed and rough watercolour papers. 🏆 Why Buy From Hobby Heaven? We're not just another online shop — we're a family-run business of genuine art enthusiasts who understand your needs as a creator. 📦 Fast Dispatch Royal Mail 24 shipping on the same working day for orders placed before our cut-off time ↩️ Easy Returns 30-day return policy with no hidden fees or complicated processes ✅ Authorised Seller Direct partnership with Raphaël's official distributor — guaranteed authentic products 💬 Expert Support Speak with experienced artists who genuinely understand your craft and materials ✨ The Bottom Line The Raphaël SoftAqua 805 represents a masterful fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. It delivers the beloved softness and water capacity of natural squirrel hair with the durability, consistency, and ethics of synthetic fibres. Whether you're laying down sweeping skies, painting delicate botanical details, or exploring expressive ink techniques, this brush responds to your hand with precision and grace. Professionals trust it. Beginners love it. Your artwork deserves it. Hobby Heaven — Supporting Artists Across the UK 🎨 Questions? Our team is here to help you choose the perfect tools for your creative journey.

Specifications

Bristle Firmness Soft & Flexible
Brush Shape Round
MPN 88026
Suitable For Watercolour, Ink, Gouache, Silk painting, Diluted acrylic
Brand Raphaël
Item Brushes
Type Watercolour Brushes
Medium Watercolour Painting
Features High water capacity, Soft, Elastic, Vegan, Animal-free
Country/Region of Manufacture France

ABOUT US

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!

PAYMENT

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.

SHIPPING

We primarily use RM24 for shipping, and we can arrange other courier services upon request. For large international shipments, we utilize FedEx. Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive tracking information. For domestic deliveries, the estimated arrival time is usually 1-4 days.

RETURNS

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

Thankyou	alex-ecko24 (1205 )
great service	macro_3341 (766 )
Perfect thank you	db19640 (589 )
Fine product and well packaged	anthonykwebs (497 )
Super fast delivery	kennethmacke (1585 )