How to Care For Blue Squirrel Brushes 
There are several ways to care for blue squirrel brushes. In addition to cleaning them, you can also clean them by washing them with a brush cleaner. A squirrel brush is considered a high-quality painting brush. Most squirrel brushes are made in countries that have weak animal welfare laws. However, you should still follow the guidelines below to avoid any kind of cruelty. If you have any questions about how to care for your blue squirrel brushes, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Isabey Siberian Blue Squirrel Brushes
The Isabey 6234 Quill Mop Brush is made from the finest Siberian blue squirrel hair, and is ideal for large watercolor washes. Its natural wood handle and genuine quill ferrule make this brush both durable and luxurious. Its care requires only minimal maintenance. Unlike most brushes, Isabey 6234s are handcrafted by skilled craftswomen.
As with their traditional techniques, Isabey follows an extensive manual process in crafting each brush. From choosing raw materials, to assembling the brushes, each step is meticulously performed by hand. Even the hairs are mounted to the handle by hand, preserving the natural spring. Isabey uses only the highest-quality materials in their products, and their brushes are truly worth the investment.
You can find Isabey products on Amazon. Just enter “Isabey” and click “brand”. You can then read reviews and feedback from consumers who have used these brushes. Choose the right one for your needs and budget. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure its durability. You don’t want to break your Isabey Siberian blue squirrel brush before you’ve even used it.
Winsor & Newton Pure Squirrel Brushes
The pure Russian Blue squirrel used in Winsor & Newton Pure Squirel brushes is a fine quality material ideal for washes and watercolour techniques. The hair is relatively thin but the conical shape and thick bellies of the Pure Squirrel brushes make them perfect for watercolour washes. Natural goose quill is used for the ferrule to give the brushes their distinctive rounded appearance.
The finest hair of Russian Blue Squirrel is hand sorted and set into ferrules made of natural goose quills. This natural brush hair is incredibly strong, able to hold a tremendous amount of water, and has a soft point that holds the paint beautifully. These brushes come in limited stock, so grab a few today and paint with confidence. Just be sure to wash them in cool water. Once clean, let them air dry before storing.
Another great quality brush is the Winsor & Newton Pure Squirel Series 7. These brushes are made from a special kind of sable hair called kolinsky sable. These hairs are incredibly soft and supple, and are ideal for glazing and blending. If you prefer synthetic or animal-hair brushes, these are also excellent options. The pure Squirrel brushes are made from a part of the animal not typically used for making brushes.
Professional Watercolour Squirrel Brushes
The Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour Squirrel Point Brushes are made of pure Russian Blue Squirrel hair, which is ideal for watercolour painting. The head of the brush is round with thick bellies, while the ferrule is made from natural goose quill, which is more flexible and durable. Choosing the right brush is critical to the overall quality of your artwork.
While some artists prefer natural hair bristles for their watercolour brushes, there are many alternatives. Sable, goat, and squirrel are all excellent choices, and synthetic filament brushes continue to improve and serve the same purpose. While synthetic filament brushes are a cheaper alternative to natural squirrel hair brushes, they do not give the same high quality or performance as their animal counterparts. Unlike goat hair brushes, synthetic filament brushes can closely mimic the performance of some natural fibres, but there are some notable differences between them.
Professional watercolour brushes made of squirrel hair are often called mop brushes, because their hair is so soft and has an incredible holding capacity. The mop-style brush is particularly useful for detail work, such as blending, since it has a fine tip and a fat body. The Jackson Pure Squirrel Mop Brush is also ideal for wet-on-wet paintings and hard-edge long-stroke paintings.
How frequently should you wash your blue squirrel brushes?
You should wash your blue squirrel brushes every 2-3 weeks.
What is the best way to wash your blue squirrel brushes?
The best way to wash your blue squirrel brushes is to use a mild soap and lukewarm water.
How do you properly store blue squirrel brushes?
You should store blue squirrel brushes in a cool dry place.
How often should you replace your blue squirrel brushes?
You should replace your blue squirrel brushes every 6-12 months.
How do you know when it’s time to replace your blue squirrel brushes?
It’s time to replace your blue squirrel brushes when the bristles start to fray or become misshapen.
Can you use blue squirrel brushes with water-based products?
Yes you can use blue squirrel brushes with water-based products.
Can you use blue squirrel brushes with oil-based products?
No you cannot use blue squirrel brushes with oil-based products.
What is the best way to clean blue squirrel brushes after use?
The best way to clean blue squirrel brushes after use is to use a mild soap and lukewarm water.
How do you know if blue squirrel brushes are clean?
Blue squirrel brushes are clean if the bristles are free of makeup and residue.
What is the best way to dry blue squirrel brushes?
The best way to dry blue squirrel brushes is to air dry them.
What is the best way to condition blue squirrel brushes?
The best way to condition blue squirrel brushes is to use a brush conditioner.
What is the best way to disinfect blue squirrel brushes?
The best way to disinfect blue squirrel brushes is to use a brush disinfectant.
How often should you disinfect blue squirrel brushes?
You should disinfect blue squirrel brushes every 2-3 weeks.
What is the best way to cleanse blue squirrel brushes?
The best way to cleanse blue squirrel brushes is to use a brush cleanser.
How often should you cleanse blue squirrel brushes?
You should cleanse blue squirrel brushes every 2-3 weeks.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
