Raphael 8404 brushes are among the most respected brushes used by miniature painters and scale model hobbyists. These high-quality Kolinsky sable brushes are known for their extremely sharp tip, excellent paint retention and superb control. At Scenery Workshop you can find several sizes of Raphael 8404 brushes such as 6/0, 3/0, 2/0, 0, 1 and 2, making it easy to choose the right brush for every level of detail.
What is a Raphael 8404 brush?
A Raphael 8404 brush is a professional round brush made from genuine Kolinsky sable hair. This natural hair is known for its flexibility, paint holding capacity and spring. These qualities allow the brush to form an extremely sharp tip that is ideal for precise work on miniatures, tabletop wargaming models and scale models.
The 8404 series is handmade in France. The hair is set into a seamless nickel-plated brass ferrule and finished with a short black lacquered handle with the recognizable orange tip. The full belly of the brush allows it to hold a generous amount of paint while still maintaining a precise point.
Why hobbyists use Raphael 8404 brushes
Many experienced miniature painters rely on the Raphael 8404 series because it offers an excellent balance between precision and paint flow. This makes it perfect for advanced miniature painting techniques.
- Extremely sharp tip for eyes, freehand and edge highlights
- Excellent paint retention thanks to the full Kolinsky belly
- Great control when working with thin acrylic layers
- High durability when properly maintained
- Ideal for miniatures and scale models
Many painters use size 1 or 2 as their main workhorse brush and switch to smaller sizes such as 0, 2/0 or 3/0 for precise details. At Scenery Workshop these brushes are especially popular with hobbyists who want maximum control when painting miniatures.
How to use Raphael 8404 brushes for miniatures or scale models
Raphael 8404 brushes work best with properly thinned acrylic paint. The large paint reservoir allows you to apply smooth strokes, making them excellent for techniques like layering, glazing and edge highlighting.
Use a light touch and let the tip do the work. When combined with a wet palette and thin paint, these brushes allow extremely controlled brushwork on small surfaces.
What to consider when choosing a Raphael 8404 brush
The best brush size depends on the type of painting you do. Larger brushes often hold more paint while still keeping a fine point.
- 6/0 – ultra fine detail work
- 3/0 or 2/0 – small highlights and precise details
- 0 – versatile detail brush
- 1 – popular allround miniature brush
- 2 – controlled basecoating and slightly larger surfaces
Many hobbyists at Scenery Workshop prefer owning several sizes so they can switch brushes depending on the stage of the painting process.
Frequently asked questions about Raphael 8404 brushes
Why are Kolinsky brushes popular for miniature painting?
Kolinsky hair provides excellent spring, paint retention and a very sharp point, which makes it ideal for precise miniature painting.
Which Raphael 8404 size is the most versatile?
Size 1 is often considered the most versatile brush for miniature painting.
How do you maintain a Kolinsky brush?
Rinse the brush regularly during painting and clean it with brush soap after each session to maintain the tip.
At Scenery Workshop you can find several sizes of Raphael 8404 brushes that are perfect for miniature painting, wargaming figures and scale modelling.
