Brushes
Whilst it is very pleasant to use proper bromoil brushes, and some Sinclair and other early ones may be available at photofairs, they are by no means essential to the process. DIY and Paint shops carry a range of brushes which may be used. Look for ‘sash’ or ‘architrave’ brushes of different diameters.
For prints up to A4 size 1cm to 3cm are useful and for more ambitious sizes the bigger the better. Circle members who hold workshops supply shaving brushes for participants to use.
The essential feature to look for is a brush with plenty of bristles or hair. Test by pressing the brush onto a hard surface and reject if the bristles splay out too much as only the tips are used. It may be possible to bind the hairs with thread, masking tape or elastic bands.
Trimming the ends to the traditional ‘stags foot’ is not essential and generally requires more practice to make use of its advantages. A useful technique is to freeze the bristles in a water-filled 35mm film can. Warm the can and remove the frozen wad. The hairs will stay compacted whilst trimmed with a craft knife.
Unfortunately, trimming removes the bifurcated ends, which is why proper brushes are set in a container (cannon) with a slanting bottom before being attached to the handle. Experimenters may like to try their hand at making their own cannon by pouring molten wax into a film can and letting it set at an angle. Remove the bristles, hairs or nylon strands from a paintbrush and deposit them, bifurcated ends down, into the can whilst tapping the side. When compacted, bind the protruding hairs tightly. To finish off use metal from a food or drink can wrapped round the bristles and the handle and use a strong adhesive.
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