Flex-I-File Professional Series Brush Sets
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Overview
While much attention in modeling is given towards airbrushes and airbrushing techniques, for the smaller details the traditional paint brush reigns supreme. Finding a good quality brush, though, often eludes modelers and they just opt for whatever is next to the paint stand in the hobby shop. It does not take long to recognize that those brushes of convenience might not be the best solution for painting. Finding good brushes, though, is not that difficult, as seen by these new brushes from Flex-I-File.
The Brush Sets
While this review examines the two brush sets put out by Flex-I-File, each of the individual brushes are available separately, so you can pick up a couple of your more popular sizes. The two sets are split into groups based on size. The Fine Brush Set is a 4-pack set that contains size 0, 1, 2, and 3 brushes. The Ultra Fine Brush Set goes smaller, with sizes including 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0, and 10/0. These should give an idea as to the size, but interestingly, there is no standard for these measurements, so a Flex-I-File size 0 might slightly different than some other brand's size 0.
The brushes are made in Germany and feature a triangular handle. This triangular handle is an interesting modern change to traditional brushes, which generally featured a round handle. This triangular handle's advantage is immediately apparent when set down on the workbench, as it won't roll away. Another benefit, though, is that it actually fits in the hand better and is more comfortable to hold. The thicker handle rests in the hand better, and because of that improved comfort, the results from painting with these are better.
The packaging (and website) makes no mention of the type of bristles used in the brushes, so it could be natural, synthetic, or a blend. The tip holds up well, though, and a quick test shows that painting with these puts down a smooth layer of paint with good coverage. To top it off, these are very affordable brushes, which should satisfy even the most frugal modeler (although I am of the firm opinion that money spent on quality tools is money very well spent).
Conclusion
These are a nice collection of brushes that, between the two sets, should cover nearly all your brush painting needs. The quality construction and comfortable handle make for a brush that you'll be happy with on your bench. My thanks to Flex-I-File for the review samples.