Synthetic Kolinsky imitation round. Premium synthetic feel at a fraction of sable cost.
The Raphael Precision 8504 is a synthetic round brush engineered to mimic the performance of Kolinsky sable. It uses advanced synthetic fibres that replicate the snap, point retention, and flow characteristics of natural hair, making it an excellent choice for painters who want near-sable performance without the cost or ethical considerations.
Compared with the natural Kolinsky 8404, the 8504 has a slightly firmer feel and releases paint a little faster. It does not quite match the organic flow of true sable, but the gap is remarkably small. For miniature painters and watercolourists looking for a reliable, affordable, and vegan-friendly alternative to premium sable, the Precision 8504 is one of the best synthetic rounds available.
What makes this brush special
Advanced synthetic fibres designed to replicate Kolinsky sable performance. Good point retention and snap-back, slightly firmer than natural sable. Faster paint release than sable โ loads and unloads more quickly. Excellent value: premium synthetic performance at a fraction of sable pricing.
Medium compatibility
Watercolour
Smooth flow for washes, controlled lines and fine points.
Gouache
Handles opaque water-based paint when thinned to a brush-friendly consistency.
Ink
Good for fluid inks; clean promptly after use.
Miniature Paints
Works well with fluid hobby acrylics for detail, layering and controlled basecoating.
Great for
Painters wanting near-sable performance without the premium price
Vegan-friendly or ethical alternative to natural Kolinsky
All-round miniature painting and watercolour work
Heavy-use situations where you would rather not risk expensive sable
Technique & use
Detail Work
Glazing & Blending
General Painting
Less ideal for
Purists who insist on the organic flow of natural Kolinsky sable
Extreme long-session work where sable's superior paint-holding shines
Painters who have already invested in premium sable and are satisfied
Very heavy drybrushing โ synthetic fibres still wear down
Size chart coming soon โ variant dimensions not yet populated for this series.
How to care for your brush
Rinse after each session and clean with brush soap periodically. Synthetic fibres are more resilient than natural hair but still benefit from proper care. Reshape the tip after washing. Avoid leaving in water for extended periods. Synthetics tolerate slightly more abuse than sable but last longest with gentle treatment.
