Brush Sizes

Drew Davis · #1 03-17-1999, 08:52 PM

As long as we have a brushmaker around:
What are the sizes of brushes measured in? That is, why is a #6 round a #6? Six what?
And there seem to be (at least) two different measuring schemes in use; what's the difference between them? Metric and Imperial?

rosemary · #2 03-19-1999, 04:36 AM

Hi Drew,
This a question asked all the time in the UK.
Here each manufacturer has different sizes it seems!
We all buy 'Ferrules' from several mfcs and it is the ferrules used which dictate the size of the brush ie: the amount of hair/bristle whatever we can 'stuff' into the ferrule.
The ferrule sizes are measured in mm's therefore a size 6 should in theory be a 6mm diam ferrule this is unfortunately in many cases not the practise. For eg on the continent(europe)their sizes are TWICE x2
ie: size 12 brush in England is Size 24 in France. To confuse even more USA & Australian Sizes follow neither 'rule'..... therefore I conclude by saying to you that wherever possible FIND OUT BEFORE you purchase a brush the size of the 'head' either by looking or indeed as with us if you are buying from a picture we advertise 'life size'.
Years ago our sizes were calculated for Industry here, ie: the Ceramic Industry which use Quills as well as ferrules. The quill sizes where easily reckoned ie: a Goose,Swan etc... I know what I have told you is of no constructive help but I hope it arms you with a little knowledge the next time you shop for Brushes.
All the Best
Rosemary ( abs brushes - england )

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rosemary

Drew Davis · #3 03-19-1999, 07:23 PM

At least I know it's not just me that's confused

I generally still buy brushes in person. I'm perfectly happy with mail order for most things, but for brushes I'm just not comfortable unless I can check out the condition of the head. That also lets me see the size ("this big", as opposed to a number with varying meaning). Perhaps sizes will become more standard (or at least the schemes better known) if electronic shopping really takes off.

rosemary · #4 03-20-1999, 06:28 PM

We have tried to help by producing our new catalogue 'life size' so what you see is what you get.
We can never get over quality obviously until a customer has bought from us or has a friend who has. Thats why we offer a full guarantee
against our brushes and/or money back options. I assure you as a company we can only grow by offering consistency and quality. At least I know that the brush reaches you the end user in the same excellent quality that it left our factory which is more than can be said for the retail shops I look at. I am afraid a lot of brushes are wrecked by the general public not placing caps back on gently etc etc... expect the same happens in th U .S ??
Any way enough rambling, talk to you again soon.
Kind Regards,
Rosemary
abs

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