Kolibri Artist Brushes

Official Canadian distributor, stocked in Kingston and priced in CAD

Shapes for every technique, from broad washes to miniature detail

Quick Points on Kolibri Artist Brushes

Synthetic squirrel holds far more water than it looks like it should, so load fully and touch off on the jar rim before committing to a wash
Go one size larger than feels natural for washes; a bigger brush holds more paint and lays smoother passages with fewer streaks
Use the dagger two ways: the heel for broad sweeps, the tip for fine calligraphic lines, so one brush handles foliage, ribbons, and lettering
When painting miniatures, load only the tip third of the brush and keep the paint slightly thinned; a flooded belly is what kills fine control
Never rest a brush on its head in the water jar; even a short soak bends the tip, and in natural red sable the set can become permanent
With acrylics or inks, rinse before paint creeps into the ferrule; dried acrylic in the belly can't be removed without damaging the fibres
After washing, reshape the head with your fingers while damp and dry flat or tip-down so water doesn't pool in the ferrule and loosen the handle

Free shipping on orders over $89

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions on Kolibri Artist Brushes. If you still need help, contact us and we’ll point you to the right option.

Where are Kolibri brushes made?

Kolibri brushes are handmade in Germany, where the company has been producing artist brushes since 1898. The brand is part of a long Franconian brush-making tradition, and each brush is still shaped and finished by hand by trained brushmakers.

What is synthetic squirrel hair?

Synthetic squirrel is a soft synthetic fibre developed to imitate natural squirrel hair, prized in watercolour for its enormous water-holding capacity and gentle, even paint release. Kolibri's SQI line delivers that same soft, absorbent performance in a durable, animal-free fibre at a lower price than natural hair.

Which brush shape should I choose for watercolour?

Rounds and quills are the everyday workhorses, holding lots of water while keeping a fine point. Oval wash and cat's tongue shapes lay in broad, soft washes; daggers and strokes excel at long calligraphic lines, foliage, and ribbons of colour; filberts give soft-edged strokes; and fans are ideal for texture like grass, fur, and clouds. If you're starting out, a round is the most versatile single brush.

What's the difference between red sable and synthetic squirrel?

Pure red sable is the traditional natural hair for watercolour, offering an exceptionally fine point, spring, and controlled release. Synthetic squirrel holds more water and releases it more softly, making it better for washes and wet-in-wet work. Many painters keep both: sable for detail and precision, squirrel for coverage and flow.

What are Kolibri miniature brushes used for?

The miniature line features short, precise heads designed for fine detail: miniature and model painting, illustration, botanical work, and touch-ups. The round, angle, filbert, and flat shapes give you control over tiny areas without sacrificing paint capacity at the tip.

Can I use these brushes with acrylic paint?

Yes. The miniature brushes and the PB 8000A set are well suited to acrylics. The soft SQI watercolour shapes also work beautifully with fluid acrylics and watercolour-consistency media, though we recommend rinsing promptly since acrylic dries quickly and can damage any brush left to harden.

How do I care for my Kolibri brushes?

Rinse thoroughly in cool water after each session, reshape the head with your fingers, and dry flat or hanging tip-down so water doesn't pool in the ferrule. Never leave a brush standing on its head in water. With basic care, a handmade Kolibri brush will last for many years.

Are Kolibri brushes available in Canada?

Yes. Tri-Art Manufacturing is the Canadian distributor for Kolibri, with inventory stocked at our facility in Kingston, Ontario. Orders are priced in Canadian dollars and ship domestically, so there are no surprise duties, exchange fees, or cross-border shipping delays.