Sapphire Watercolour Brush

Sapphire Watercolour Brush

The Sapphire Sable & Synthetic Blend short-handled brush is ideal for watercolour and gouache painting. This exquisite range combines the superior performance of red sable with the durability of tapered synthetic filaments, offering excellent colour retention and a precise point. Each brush is handcrafted in the Dominican Republic.

Designed for artists who demand quality and longevity, Sapphire brushes perform beautifully with watercolour, gouache, inks, and oils. They suit both professional artists and art students, featuring an ergonomic, balanced short handle for comfortable use.

  • Perfect for watercolour and gouache
  • Unique blend of red sable and synthetic fibres
  • Excellent colour holding and fine point quality
  • Ergonomic, balanced short handle for comfort
  • Handmade in the Dominican Republic
  • Available in a variety of head shapes & sets

FAQs

How do I stop streaks in acrylic paint?

Use a softer brush, apply slightly thicker paint, and work in even strokes. A small amount of medium can also improve flow.

Why does my watercolour appear blotchy or uneven on paper?

Uneven water distribution is the main cause. Load your brush consistently and keep the surface evenly wet when working on washes.

Why not try adding an Ox Gall Solution Medium? Ox Gall Solution enhances wetting and flow, helping watercolour paint spread uniformly across the paper and preventing blotting or dotting effects.

Recommended medium: Ox Gall Solution (D114007005)

Am I able to order samples?

You are able to request samples on the mountboards, Murano, and Canford paper in the UK only.

Unfortunately, we do not send paint samples out, however, please do head to your nearest art store to take a look at the colours and products that we manufacture.

Please use the contact us form to request your mountboard, Murano, and Canford paper samples.

Do you test on animals or use animal-derived ingredients?

At Daler-Rowney, we do not test our products on animals.

Daler-Rowney does not use animal-derived ingredients in most colours and mediums it produces. The only exceptions to this are the pigment Bone Black (PBk9), Ox-Gall solution and Kandahar ink (Shellac).

Daler-Rowney does not use animal-derived ingredients in the manufacture of its paper and board ranges, with the exception of The Langton Prestige and Murano papers, which use gelatine.

Daler-Rowney does not use animal-derived ingredients in the manufacture of its synthetic hair brushes, and the only animal-derived ingredient in its natural hair brushes is the natural hair itself.

Daler-Rowney does not use animal-derived ingredients in the manufacture of its Simply Drawing and Sketching products except for the graphite leads in the Drawing Pencil Tube 22pcs Set and the Simply Sketching 40pcs Set which contain 5% of animal oil.

I have scanned the QR code on the back of the product packaging but it does not lead anywhere?

We previously had several QR codes on our packaging for our products, however, these links have now expired and we apologise for the inconvenience this may cause. Please take a look at our Discover section, YouTube channel, product or brand page to view more information on the purchased brands.

For Simply products, please visit our How-To’s to find the SimplyCreate how-to guides.

How do I find out more information about old products?

Please fill out the contact us form with as much information as possible to help us try to date the product. Attaching images via the URL field will also help greatly.

Please note: Old paintings with a Daler stamp on the back only indicate that they have used a Rowney mountboard, we will not be able to help with the artist or their subject.

What do the surface symbols mean on your paints?

The symbols represent where the paint can be used, for example, Canvas, Murals, Glass, Textiles, and Interior/Exterior. Please visit the colour charts on the individual product pages to view the full list.

You will need to use the correct primers and finishes for a selection of surfaces, i.e., murals will need a varnish to make them waterproof and a primer on most wall surfaces to get the full colour. We do always recommend trialling on a small area and testing first.

What is the advantage of using the products in the same collections for artists?

Using products from the same collection ensures colour consistency across your work, as the paints, papers, brushes and mediums are designed to work in harmony. Each product is developed to complement and enhance the performance of others in the range, enabling artists to achieve reliable and cohesive results.

How should I take care of my artist brushes?

To care for your artist brushes, clean them immediately after use with the appropriate cleaner – water for acrylics, inks, gouache and watercolours, and solvent for oils.

Gently rinse and reshape the bristles, then dry the brush flat or with bristles pointing down.

Store brushes in a dry place, avoiding upright storage that can deform the bristles.

Regular maintenance will keep your brushes in top shape and extend their lifespan.

What filament is best for what technique?

The filament of a brush can be suitable for more than one technique. This table indicates the prime technique for each filament type, but also provides a guide of suitability for the others.

Can you explain what the different brush types do?

We have a variety of brushes depending on the medium used and the style of painting:

  • Flat – The flat can apply broad strokes or a fine line, when used on the chisel edge.
  • Filbert – Ideal for base-coating round or curved areas, applying washes and painting flower strokes.
  • Angle shader – Brush that allows the artist to get into tight areas with precision, which is perfect for shading and highlighting.
  • Wash – Great for applying washes or floating and blocking in large areas of colour.
  • Fan – Staple choice for landscapes and foliage, allowing paint to be applied in multiple directions in a single stroke.
  • Mop – Recommended for softening and blending, as well as varnishing and decoupage because it shows minimal brush strokes.
  • Sword – Works well for painting long grasses, flower stems, strokes of fur, leaves and flowing lines.
  • Round – Classic painting brush used for everything from flora and still lifes to portraits and landscapes.
  • Spotter – A round brush with shorter, tighter filament, ideal for any accurate detailer.
  • Liner – Brushes with very fine points, good for delicate work such as outlines, small details, lettering and long continuous lines.

Are your products EN71 compliant?

Daler-Rowney products are not EN71 compliant as they are aimed at adults.

For enquiries on products from other brands in the FILA Group, please contact the brand directly with the product in question.

What are the shelf lives of your paints?

Our products, when stored correctly have very long shelf lives – on average around 5-15 years. If you have any concerns about a product, please do contact us.

What levels are your products?

We have different ranges for different artistic expertise:

The Simply collection is for beginner artists and hobbyists

The Graduate collection is aimed at students.

The Aquafine, Georgia, System3 and FW collections are aimed at professional artists.

The Artists’ and Designer collections are our top-of-the-line artist ranges.

Find a Store Near You

Our products are available in thousands stores nationwide. Use our Store Locator to find your nearest retailer and explore our network of trusted art supply specialists. Visit in person to experience the quality firsthand, receive expert advice, and shop your favourite Daler-Rowney products locally.

Contact Us

Got a question? Start by browsing our FAQs for quick answers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch by selecting the form that best matches your enquiry. We’d love to hear from you and are always happy to assist!