The genuinely miniature-relevant da Vinci product: four ultra-fine kolinskys from 20/0 to 5/0, the smallest brushes the workshop makes. Series 100 — not the similarly-named Series 1505 retouch line.
Kolinsky sable · 20/0, 15/0, 10/0, 5/0
Da Vinci Brushes
Da Vinci are the German old master of the brush world, and the Maestro kolinsky line sits comfortably alongside the Series 7 and 8404 in quality — with the same century-old pedigree. The hobby knows them another way too: several hobby-branded brushes, including the Squidmar Kickstarter line, come out of the da Vinci Defet workshop in Nuremberg.
The Honest Verdict
If you can get one at a good price, a Maestro is every bit the equal of the more famous names — the choice between the big three kolinskys is taste, not quality. Less counterfeited than Winsor & Newton, but the same buy-from-a-real-retailer rule applies.
The Range
The short-headed Maestro round a size down — control first, for detail passes.
Kolinsky sable · Size 0
The do-everything Maestro: the Series 10 head is rounder and fuller than the number suggests.
Kolinsky sable · Size 1
A size up for basecoats and bigger models, still snapping back to a point.
Kolinsky sable · Size 2
The long-cut Series 35 at its finest listed size — a liner-ish reach with a kolinsky point.
Kolinsky sable · Size 0
The 13mm "designer" cut: more length and paint reserve than the Series 10 at the same number.
Kolinsky sable · Size 1
The largest of the batch — long hair, big reserve, for glazes and long strokes.
Kolinsky sable · Size 2
Other Brush Ranges
Rosemary & Co Brushes
Winsor & Newton Series 7
Raphael 8404
Artis Opus Brushes
Army Painter Brushes
Citadel Brushes
Monument Hobbies Pro BrushesNot sure what shape you need in the first place? The brush types guide explains every brush on this site - and whatever you buy, the brush care guide is what makes it last.