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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.