Pro Arte Sablon Round Watercolour Brush — Series 40

Made by hand in Skipton, North Yorkshire, Pro Arte has been one of Britain's most respected brush makers since 1973. The Sablon range is Pro Arte's imitation sable — a synthetic filament specifically engineered to replicate the handling qualities of natural sable hair without the cost or the ethical concerns associated with it. For watercolourists who want the soft, responsive feel of a sable brush at a significantly more accessible price, the Sablon is the natural place to start.

The round is the most versatile watercolour brush shape — a full belly that holds a generous reservoir of water and pigment, and a fine point that makes it equally useful for broad washes and controlled detail work within the same painting session. The Sablon filament has good spring and returns to its original shape after each stroke, the tip comes to a consistent, reliable point, and the seamless nickel ferrule is crimped securely to the short polished handle without any gap that would allow water to creep up and loosen the filament over time. The short handle is the standard for watercolour brushes, comfortable whether working at a desk or on location.

Sold individually. Available in sizes 3/0, 2/0, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6.

What is the difference between Sablon and natural sable? Natural sable — particularly Kolinsky — is the gold standard for watercolour brushes, prized for its exceptional spring, water-holding capacity, and fine point. Sablon replicates these qualities in a synthetic filament at a significantly lower cost and without using animal hair. For most watercolour techniques the difference is negligible; for the vast majority of work Sablon performs excellently.

Which size should I choose? Smaller sizes — 3/0 through to 1 — suit fine detail work, lettering, and precise line work. Sizes 2 and 3 are the most versatile all-purpose rounds for general watercolour painting. Sizes 4 and 6 suit broader washes, larger areas of colour, and any work where a bigger belly and broader mark are needed.

What media is it suitable for? Primarily watercolour and gouache. It also works well with ink and light acrylic washes. For heavier acrylic work a stiffer synthetic brush is more appropriate.

How should it be cared for? Rinse thoroughly in clean water after each use, reshape the tip gently with your fingers, and store upright or flat — never resting on the tip. Do not leave standing in water as this will loosen the ferrule over time.