Hi all, getting back into 6mm work after a four year break. I was wondering if any of you have suggestions for the best brush for extremely fine work? (eg. details on shields or flags, coloring horse's reins, etc). Appreciate the suggestions in advance.

Go for the most expensive Kolinsky sable brush that you can afford. I use the Winsor & Newton series 7:

https://www.winsornewton.com/row/brushes/watercolour-brushes/series-7-kolinsky-sable-brushes/

I use 000 for extremely fine work.

Robert

I use the W&N Series 7 as well but a 0 or a 1.  It's really all about he point rather than the size of the brush.  Once you go very small it holds so little paint it becomes difficult to use.

Thanks very much. My problem seem to be a single bristle that extends past the rest and then hooks slightly. I also notice that brushes lose their point very quickly and become blown out. Do you trim your brushes? If so, how frequently?

Windsor Newtons are my favorites, though I also like broken toad. I mainly work with 2's and 1's, very occasionally with a 0 if I need extra fine detail. Typically the 2 does most of the work, and the 1 does straps and highlights for tiny areas such as faces.  Be sure to take good care of your brushes, and use brush conditioner on them often, and never get any paint in the ferrule. If you do, brush restorer helps bring it back to normal. A brush shaper will help it keep a fine point as well. If you take good care of your high quality brushes they'll last years, making them a worthwhile investment.  

Don't cheap out on brushes, your time is too valuable to use shoddy tools!

0 is my go-to size as well. There is never any need to trim the brush. As zabarr noted, it is important to condition and protect the brushes. Mine have lasted for years.

Robert

I use Rosemary and Co, much cheaper but same high quality as W&N series 7. They tend to last a few years, and I've never had to trim any or had any problems with hooked tips, because I use brush soap after each use. The one I prefer is The Master's, in round plastic tubs. It's cheap as chips, lasts for ages, and does a great job preserving brushes.

I will echo what has been said earlier.  A good quality brush is essential.  That will give you a consistent fine tip which is essential.  If you do this you will find that most work can be done with as size 1 or 0.   I only use a 00 when the area to be painted requires a physically smaller brush for access.

The ones that we sell on the Baccus site are from Rosemary and Co.  Excellent brushes and ones that I have used for years before offering them as a product.

Good to know. I never realised you sold brushes on your site.