Badger Brushes

• Available sizes: 2" x 1", 3" x 1", 4" x 1", 6" x 1"
• Bristle: 100% pure badger hair
• Handle: Wooden, with hanging hole
• Suitable for: Oil and acrylic glazes

The softener is the finishing brush in decorative painting work. After applying glaze and creating the initial pattern with a dragger, flogger, or graining tool, hold the badger at a right angle to the surface and gently flick the tips across the wet glaze. The fine, soft hair barely touches the surface - just enough to blur hard edges and blend transitions without lifting the colour.

Used in:

• Marbling - softening veins so they fade naturally into the background
• Wood graining - blending dragged or flogged grain to remove obvious brushmarks
• Glazed wall finishes - softening any technique that needs a smooth, hand-finished look

Choose the size to match the work: 2" for tight detail and small panels, 6" for walls and large surfaces.

Pure badger hair is a serious investment - treat it accordingly. Wash gently after every use in cool soapy water (water-based) or white spirit then soap (oil-based). Never scrub or wring the bristles. Reshape with your fingers and hang by the handle hole to dry. A pinch of conditioner once dry keeps the hair supple. Stored properly, a good badger softener lasts a lifetime.

Some natural shedding is normal in the first few uses as loose hairs work themselves free. This isn't a defect - pick out the loose hairs and the brush will settle.