Which signwriting brush do I need?

Choosing a signwriting brush becomes easier when you start with the mark you want to make. A broad block letter, a flowing script and a fine outline each ask something different of the brush.

We stock several signwriting brush types because no single shape does every job equally well. Here is how we would approach choosing from our Wrights of Lymm and Mack ranges.

Start with your paint and lettering

Before choosing a series or size, decide which paint you will use and roughly how large the lettering will be.

For oil based enamel, you need a brush that carries the paint and releases it steadily as you move. For water based or acrylic paint, look for a series specified for that medium. Mack Series 2179 synthetic lettering quills are one example.

Next, look at the stroke width. A brush that is too small may need repeated loading and several passes to fill a broad letter. A brush that is too large can make small details awkward.

We suggest choosing a few useful shapes and getting to know them before building a larger kit.

Chisel writers and lettering quills for general lettering

Chisel writers and lettering quills are a useful starting point for hand lettering. Their hair carries paint while the working edge helps you form the stroke.

Our Wrights range includes Series 1310 normal-length sable chisel writers and Series 1315 long chisel writers. Series 1317 uses a sable and ox mix, while Series 1310-M combines synthetic and sable hair. Series 1210 is a chisel writer set in quill.

In our Mack range, Series 189 and 189L are grey lettering quills.

Hair length changes the feel of the brush. We recommend comparing the listed dimensions as well as the size number, particularly when moving between series or brands.

Pointed writers for script and finer strokes

A pointed writer is worth considering when your lettering calls for a fine tip, lighter strokes or flowing script.

Our Series 1324 offers a normal-length pointed writer, while Series 1330 has longer hair. Series 1212 is a pointed writer set in quill.

A pointed brush still needs enough paint capacity for the stroke. Choosing the smallest brush available is not always the easiest way to achieve a controlled fine line.

One strokes for broader lettering

One stroke brushes have a flat profile that helps carry a wider band of paint. They are useful when you want a broader stroke with a defined edge.

Our range includes Series 1300 sable one strokes in signwriters length, Series 1302 in poster length and Series 1306 long ox hair one strokes.

Mack options include Series 160 sabeline, Series 162 golden taklon and Series 2962. Choose the series according to the paint, width and handling you need.

Liners and outliners for detail

For outlines, narrow strokes and decorative lines, explore liners and outliners.

Our Series 308 Tate-Wrights lining brushes sit alongside Mack Series 126 and 522 sable liners, Series 838 and 839 squirrel and ox outliners, and the Series 258 white taklon rigger.

We recommend practising the full length of your intended line on a test surface. That helps you judge whether the brush carries enough paint and feels manageable through the stroke.

Fitches and cutters for supporting work

Fitches help with filling and background work. Cutters are useful when working to an edge.

Mack’s range includes soft hair Series 4031 and 4039 fitches, bristle Series 4042 and 4055 fitches, and the angular Series 4090. Series 5840 and 5880 provide single and double cutter options.

These brushes support different tasks from the fine lettering itself, which is why we would not describe every signwriting brush as a stiff bristle brush.

Choosing hair and building your kit

Sable, squirrel, ox hair and synthetic fibres give different combinations of feel, spring and paint capacity. We recommend choosing the shape and paint compatibility first, then comparing the available hair types.

For a first kit, consider a general lettering brush, a broader one stroke and a liner. Add a pointed writer, fitch or cutter as your work calls for it.

Explore our signwriting brushes to compare the ranges. If you are still choosing your paint, read One Shot or Wright-it: which signwriting enamel should I use?

Once you have chosen your brushes, our guide to cleaning and storing signwriting brushes explains how to look after them between jobs.