handprint : how watercolor brushes are made

Robert Simmons

Robert Simmons is a USA retail art supply company that opened operations in Manhattan in 1952. They rapidly grew to be one of the largest domestic brush manufacturers before they were acquired by Daler-Rowney in 1994, with product distribution currently managed through Daler-Rowney's USA offices.

Synthetic - Simmons' synthetic brush line is manufactured for them in the Dominican Republic. The Sienna SN85 round brushes are less expensive than most brands listed here but very well manufactured with a double crimped gold colored nickel ferrule and a maroon lacquered hardwood handle (total length of the #12 brush is 23.8cm). The tuft is slightly stiff, 32mm long and 27mm around at the ferrule in the #12; when wet the belly is 9mm. The hairs are tightly packed and require an energetic snap to come to a slightly ragged "needle" point, which in the smaller sizes does not hold a good point during use. But the brush handles very well, releases paint evenly, and cleans up nicely. Rounds are sized from #000 to #12. Prices: #6, US$3.20; #12, US$8.50.

The Sienna SN21 one stroke brushes are less expensive than most brands listed here but very well manufactured (in the Dominican Republic) with double crimped gold colored nickel ferrule and a maroon lacquered hardwood handle (total length of the 1" brush is 25.3cm). The tuft is slightly soft with excellent resiliency, 35mm long and 22mm wide when wet. The hairs are tightly packed and come to a clean edge when snapped; the smaller sizes does not shape as easily but come to a clean edge during use. The brushes handles very well, releases paint evenly, and cleans up nicely. Flats are sized from 1/8" to 1". Prices: 1/2", US$10.70; 1", US$23.70.

Simmons Sienna round (#6 and #12); Simmons Sienna one stroke (1/2" and 1")



		Robert Simmons Robert Simmons is a USA retail art supply company that opened operations in Manhattan in 1952. They rapidly grew to be one of the largest domestic brush manufacturers before they were acquired by Daler-Rowney in 1994, with product distribution currently managed through Daler-Rowney's USA offices.
		Synthetic - Simmons' synthetic brush line is manufactured for them in the Dominican Republic. The Sienna SN85 round brushes are less expensive than most brands listed here but very well manufactured with a double crimped gold colored nickel ferrule and a maroon lacquered hardwood handle (total length of the #12 brush is 23.8cm). The tuft is slightly stiff, 32mm long and 27mm around at the ferrule in the #12; when wet the belly is 9mm. The hairs are tightly packed and require an energetic snap to come to a slightly ragged "needle" point, which in the smaller sizes does not hold a good point during use. But the brush handles very well, releases paint evenly, and cleans up nicely. Rounds are sized from #000 to #12. Prices: #6, US$3.20; #12, US$8.50. The Sienna SN21 one stroke brushes are less expensive than most brands listed here but very well manufactured (in the Dominican Republic) with double crimped gold colored nickel ferrule and a maroon lacquered hardwood handle (total length of the 1" brush is 25.3cm). The tuft is slightly soft with excellent resiliency, 35mm long and 22mm wide when wet. The hairs are tightly packed and come to a clean edge when snapped; the smaller sizes does not shape as easily but come to a clean edge during use. The brushes handles very well, releases paint evenly, and cleans up nicely. Flats are sized from 1/8" to 1". Prices: 1/2", US$10.70; 1", US$23.70. Last revised 08.I.2015 • © 2015 Bruce MacEvoy	Simmons Sienna round (#6 and #12); Simmons Sienna one stroke (1/2" and 1")