Kolinsky sable round with a shorter profile than 8404. Controlled precision for detail work.
The Raphael 8400 is a pure Kolinsky sable round brush with a shorter hair length and less belly than the celebrated 8404. Made in France since 1793, it shares the same premium Kolinsky hair quality but in a more compact profile that gives painters greater control at small scales.
Where the 8404 excels as an all-rounder with generous paint capacity, the 8400 trades some of that capacity for a tighter, more controlled stroke. This makes it particularly suited to miniature painters and illustrators who want Kolinsky quality with a stiffer, more precise feel. Think of it as the 8404's detail-focused sibling.
What makes this brush special
Shorter hair length than 8404 gives a firmer, more controlled stroke. Less belly means less paint capacity but more precision. Same premium French Kolinsky sable hair with excellent point retention. Ideal for painters who find the 8404 too flexible for fine detail work.
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
Detail work on miniatures where a shorter, firmer brush gives more control
Precise line work and edge highlighting
Painters who prefer a compact sable round over a full-bellied one
Complementing a larger 8404 for detail passes
Technique & use
Detail Work
Glazing & Blending
General Painting
Less ideal for
Large-area basecoating where paint capacity matters
Glazing and wet blending over bigger surfaces
Heavy drybrushing — still a premium sable brush
Painters who want maximum paint-holding ability
Size chart coming soon — variant dimensions not yet populated for this series.
How to care for your brush
Clean with lukewarm water after each session. Use brush soap weekly for deep cleaning. Reshape the point after washing and store horizontally or tip-down. Never leave standing in water or use hot water. Avoid metallic paints and harsh solvents. Expect 2-4 years of regular use with proper care.
