Hobby Heaven Dry Brushes – Model & Miniature Painting Brushes (Size XS–XXL)
Hobby Heaven Dry Brush
Natural Goat Hair | Professional Quality | Budget-Friendly Performance
Budget-Friendly Dry Brushing Excellence
Professional dry brushing results without the premium price tag. These brushes are built for hobbyists who want reliable performance on miniatures, scale models, terrain, and gaming pieces – from fine character details to large vehicle surfaces.
Natural goat hair bristles provide the perfect balance of softness and spring for controlled highlighting, while copper ferrules and birch wood handles ensure comfortable, long-lasting use.
📏 Choose Your Size
Each size is designed for specific applications. Select the brush that matches your project needs.
| Size | Best For | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| XS | Ultra-fine details, sharp edges | Facial features, eyes, tiny rivets, jewellery, weapon edges |
| S | Small miniatures, detailed elements | 28mm details, small weapons, belts, pouches, hands |
| M | Universal workhorse size | Most 28–32mm miniatures, armour plates, general highlighting |
| L | Larger models, vehicles, creatures | Tanks, monsters, large armour sections, cloaks, shields |
| XL | Terrain, large surfaces | Scenery pieces, building walls, large vehicle panels, diorama bases |
| XXL | Maximum coverage projects | Large terrain sets, display boards, rapid highlighting |
✨ Why Choose This Brush?
🖌️ Natural Goat Hair
Soft yet springy bristles that hold paint evenly and release gradually for controlled, subtle highlights without chalky buildup.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Solid performance at a fraction of premium brush prices. Perfect for learning or high-volume projects where tools face heavy use.
🎯 Purpose-Built
Designed specifically for miniature painting, scale modelling, and terrain work – from 15mm figures to large dioramas.
🪵 Comfortable Handle
Lightweight birch wood reduces hand fatigue during extended painting sessions. Natural wood grip feels good in the hand.
🛠️ How to Get the Best Results
✓ Wipe Off Excess Paint
Load your brush, then wipe almost all paint onto a paper towel. The brush should look nearly dry before touching your model – this prevents heavy, chalky coverage.
✓ Use Light, Sweeping Strokes
Let bristle tips graze raised surfaces naturally. Build highlights gradually with multiple light passes rather than one heavy application.
✓ Match Brush to Surface
Don't fight the tool – use smaller sizes for details, larger sizes for speed on big areas. The right size makes technique easier and faster.
✓ Clean Between Colours
Rinse thoroughly when switching colours. Natural goat hair handles water-based acrylics beautifully when properly cared for.
🎨 Common Applications & Techniques
| Technique | Recommended Sizes | Example Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Edge Highlighting | XS, S, M | Armour plates, weapon edges, character clothing |
| Metallic Highlighting | S, M, L | Chainmail, weapons, vehicle panels, metallic surfaces |
| Texture Enhancement | M, L, XL | Fur, scales, tree bark, stone walls, fabric |
| Zenithal Highlighting | M, L, XL | Large models, creatures, terrain pieces |
| Weathering Effects | S, M, L | Rust, dust, wear on vehicles, aged surfaces |
| Speed Painting | L, XL, XXL | Gaming armies, terrain pieces, batch painting |
🐐 The Natural Goat Hair Advantage
Unlike synthetic fibres, natural goat hair has the perfect balance of softness and spring for dry brush work. The individual hairs are slightly absorbent, meaning they hold paint evenly and release it gradually – exactly what you need for subtle, controlled highlighting.
Perfect Paint Control
Even paint distribution prevents sudden dumps or streaking. You get smooth, consistent results.
Maintains Shape
Bristles spring back even after heavy use. They handle aggressive dry brushing without splaying.
Gentle on Details
Soft enough not to damage delicate features, firm enough to pick out edges and textures effectively.
🎯 Perfect For
Miniature Painters – Fantasy, sci-fi, historical miniatures from 15mm to 54mm scale
Tabletop Gamers – Painting armies quickly while maintaining quality highlights
Scale Modellers – Vehicles, aircraft, armour, figures in all popular scales
Terrain Builders – Creating realistic scenery, buildings, and dioramas
Beginners – Learning dry brush fundamentals without expensive tool investment
Experienced Painters – High-volume projects where tools face heavy wear
📋 Technical Specifications
- Bristle Material: 100% natural goat hair
- Ferrule: Copper construction
- Handle: Birch wood, lightweight and comfortable
- Suitable For: Water-based acrylics, gouache, tempera
- Quantity: 1 brush (select size from dropdown)
- Available Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
🧼 Brush Care & Maintenance
✓ Clean After Use: Rinse with lukewarm water and brush soap. Reshape bristles while damp and store upright.
✓ Avoid Paint in Ferrule: Don't let paint dry near the metal part. This causes permanent bristle splay.
✓ Replace When Needed: These are budget tools designed for heavy use. When performance drops, replace without guilt.
💡 Pro Tips from Experienced Painters
🔹 Start with Less Paint
The most common dry brushing mistake is using too much paint. When in doubt, wipe off more. You can always add another layer.
🔹 Build Gradually
Multiple light passes look infinitely better than one heavy application. Layer your highlights from darker to lighter tones.
🔹 Try Stippling
Instead of sweeping strokes, gentle dabbing motions create interesting texture effects on organic surfaces like skin, leather, or rough terrain.
🔹 Dedicate Brushes by Colour
Keep separate brushes for metallics, light colours, and dark colours. This prevents contamination and speeds up your workflow.
🏆 Why Buy from Hobby Heaven?
Fast UK Dispatch
Orders ship quickly from our UK location
Expert Support
Real hobbyists who understand your needs
Secure Packaging
Brushes arrive protected and ready to use
Honest Info
Straight facts, no marketing nonsense
Family Business
UK-based, supporting the hobby community
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