Isabey Isacryl Synthetic Brush, Filbert, 16, Natural

I purchased this brush because it was recommended. It looks like it will hold up better than the Creative Mark Mimik Hog (so, so for acrylic painting), or the Princeton Catalyst Polytip (better than the Mimik Hog).With that being said, let see how the Isabey Isacryl holds up to the Princeton 5100 FB which has performed extremely well as an acrylic paint brush. From my experience and painting style, all natural hog hair brushes hold up better under the rigors of acrylics than synthetic brushes, but I will give this brush a chance to prove itself.

My Isabey Isacryl filbert and round brushes have become my favorites for oil painting. They have excellent snap and stiffness yet have excellent flexibility. The bristles are tightly packed and shaped well for smooth application when desired. So far, the bristles are holding their shape well, and they haven't shed a single bristle. The handles are well built and ergonomically comfortable. The only downside is that this seller is located in the UK, so expect to wait around two weeks for the brushes to get to you. I wish I could find someone locally who carries Isabey so I can go physically examine their different brushes, but I'm glad this seller offers them even if I have to wait a little longer for shipping.

I purchased this brush along with the  Isabey Isacryl Series 6572 Filbert 10  and was initially put off by the fact that these didn't have the option of FREE Two-Day Amazon Prime shipping (first world problems!). I ordered them anyway. The shipping estimate was 4-6 weeks, and it arrived in 6 but would have arrived in 5 had there not been issues with the USPS. My patience paid off – I absolutely love these brushes. They perform really well with heavy body acrylic paint, and hold their shape after much use. The long, wood lacquered(?) handles are beautiful, and allow me to stand back from the canvas for looser brush strokes.

Head came off when I cleaned it for the first time. A little gel medium and some electrical tape fixed it.

Ok this has been an issue with Isabey brushes the last 15 years, so to expect any change would be insanity.Right? Yes. The minute I tried to remove the rubber bristle protector, the ENTIRE tip came off with the rubber coat. The whole metal part and the bristles simply detatched from the rest of the brush. When is this issue going to stop?I didn't even use the brush once before it fell apart.The only reason I'm crazy enough to keep buying these brushes is b/c I love the brush - when it doesn't fall apart. I normally have to hot glue the brush back together. Ugh. Since I need another #2 brush, right away, I'll probably suck this up and hot glue it like I always do. But I am so frustrated this is an ongoing issue. I've contacted the company several times about this. No resolve.

I love these bushes, they feel good in the hand and can perform miracles on the canvas. I was very impressed by how quickly it shipped to the US from the UK. (don't be in a hurry though, it still is a far cry from the 2-day shipping we've become accustomed to, but the price made the wait well worth it.)

awesome

Perfect Filbert set of brushes especially if you like impressionism