Rigger Brushes OIL

Rigger or liner brushes were invented by the French brush company Isabey to paint ships’ rigging.
The rigger has a longer than usual tuft that doesn’t belly out in a teardrop shape.

Longer hair increases capacity, so you can paint more before recharging. The narrow form lends itself to maintaining even stroke width.

Put those features together, and you have the ideal tool for painting lines especially tree branches and boat rigging. That is in fact how these brushes got their name – they became popular for painting rigging in the days of sailing ships.

Also known as liner brushes (nothing to do with ocean liners!) their uses are not limited to what is now a niche subject. Lines are everywhere in the natural and man-made worlds.

A good round-pointed brush will paint fine lines, but the width tends to be more sensitive to pressure than a rigger. Smaller rounds also don’t carry enough paint for long continuous lines.

Our two Raphael riggers are made from top quality kolinsky sable. The 88026 is a longer rigger than the 8826, which is reflected in the price.
These two have short handles.

Watch a video of the 88026 brush here      Watch a video of the 8826 brush here

The Rosemary series 771 rigger is a mixture of sable and synthetic mixed together to perhaps offer the best of both worlds.

The Rosemary Ivory riggers are synthetic bristle at its best, a cross between the feel of nylon and hog bristle.

Raphael 8413 Kolinsky Sable Long Fine Tip
Although not considered a true rigger, these Raphael Series 8413 Long Fine Tip Watercolour Brushes have incomparable elasticity. They are ideal for fine detail and finishes in watercolour. The tips are made of long, fine Kolinsky sable hair.

Watch a video of the 8413 brush here