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Cotman Brushes

Introduction to the Cotman brush range

Introducing the Cotman Watercolour brush range

Created using the same brush making skills and experience as Winsor & Newton's finest sable brushes, Cotman brushes are an affordable pure synthetic brush range. With over 150 years worth of experience, the brush makers at Winsor & Newton have brush making down to a fine art and are known to produce brushes to the highest standard. As new synthetic brush making materials are discovered, Winsor & Newton have use their experience and expertise to transform these materials into quality synthetics. The Cotman range was the first range of fully synthetic brushes that Winsor & Newton produced.

Useage

Watercolour

Soft filament with good flow control, capacity, point & spring

Material

Synthetic filament

Blended with varying fibres for strength, spring & point

Properties

Soft

Slightly stiffer than a sable; excellent spring & enhanced colour carrying capacity

Range

Student to Professional

Fine quality & economical. Strong, resilient & durable. Easy to clean

Handle

Short

Short blue handles

The Cotman's secrets lie in the synthetic fibres. Each brush head is made up of synthetic fibres of different thicknesses; this variation in thickness means that the three most important qualities sought after by the watercolour artist are met. Strength and spring is given to the brush by the thicker fibres, whilst the thinner fibres improve colour carrying capacity. When working together they will produce the perfect point use after use.

The handles of the Cotman brush are specifically designed to provide balance and comfort when painting. High quality nikel-plated brass is used in the ferrules to help prevent corrosion, clogging of hair and enables easy cleaning.

With a wide variety of shapes and sizes available, there is a brush suitable for all applications.

To find out more about the Cotman brush range why not download a digital copy of the Cotman Brush leaflet.

Brushes in the range

Cotman Series 111 Round Brush profile

Series 111 Round

  • Round bellied pointed watercolour brush

  • Excellent for washes as well as fine lines

Available in sizes: 00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24

Cotman Series 333 Rigger Brush profile

Series 333 Rigger

  • The longest and thinnest watercolour brush

  • Excellent for creating continuous fine lines

Available in three different brush sets: Set 1, Set 2 and Set 3

Cotman Series 666 One Stroke Brush profile

Series 666 One Stroke

  • A flat brush with a straight edge.

  • Originally designed for sign writers to use with a 'One Stroke' technique

  • Can produve unique chisel edged flat mark.

Available in sizes 6mm, 13mm, 19mm and 25mm

Cotman Series 667 Angle brush profile

Series 667 Angle

  • A flat brush with an angled edge

  • Equal in head length to the Cotman One Stroke.

  • Ideal for painting petals and leaves.

Size 3mm available in Set 1, and Set 2

Cotman Series 668 Filbert Brush profile

Series 668 Filbert

  • A flat brush with an oval tip.

  • Equal in head length to the Cotman One Stroke.

  • Combines the control of a One Stroke with a softer edge

6mm size available in this set of 7 Cotman brushes

Cotman Series 888 Short Handled Fan Brush profile

Series 888 Short Handled Fan

  • Almost semi-circular fan with a short handle

  • Finishing brush for dry brush technique

  • Useful for stippling, feathering grass or for hair effects.

Available in sizes 2, 4 and 6

Cotman Wash Brush profile

Cotman Wash Brushes

  • A large, flat wash brush

  • Ideal for larger washes where flat colour is preferred.

  • Also suitable for varnishing.

Available in sizes: 25mm and 50mm

 

From left to right: Series 111 Round, Series 333 Rigger, Series 666 One Stroke, Series 667 Angle, Series 668 Filbert, Series 888 Fan & Cotman Wash Brush

More about the brush features

Colour carrying capacity

The re-developed blend of special synthetic fibres means that Cotman brushes have a much greater ability to create large washes and longer lines, without the need to recharge the brush with colour. With the new fibres the colour carrying capacity of the brush has increased by 50%.

Wide variety of shapes

A range of new brush shapes have been introduced to this popular brush range, giving the artist more opportunities to explore creative mark making. There are now larger brushes ideal for creating big washes, angled brushes for detail, filberts that create softer edges, riggers for long and fine lines and fans for delicate blending. The round profile brushes have also seen a redesign and now form finer points for greater control.

Spring

There is added spring to the brush due to the nature of the synthetic fibres used. These filaments are thick and also contribute to the brush's overall strength. The fibres are soft enough to work with but provide a good enough snap that they are able to spring back into shape with ease.

Ferrules

High quality nickel-plated brass is used in the ferrules. This choice of material helps prevent corrosion, clogging of hair and enables easy cleaning.

Handle Shape

The handles are designed for optimum comfort and control when painting.

Cleaning and Caring for your Watercolour Brushes

As is always the case with brushes, it is paramount that your brushes are cleaned and cared for properly. We have some step-by-step instructions on the brush cleaning process, and also information about how to stop your favourite synthetic brushes 'hooking'.

 Click here to see our range of Cotman brushes