{"product_id":"creative-mark-mimik-synthetic-squirrel-watercolor-brush-set-5-piece-short-handle-high-paint-holding","title":"Creative Mark Mimik Synthetic Squirrel Watercolour Brush Set — 5-Piece Short-Handle, High Paint Holding","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Creative Mark Mimik Synthetic Squirrel Brush Set is a five-piece short-handle kit that mimics natural squirrel hair for excellent paint loading, soft washes, and precise edges without using animal hair.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for watercolourists who want the feel and performance of traditional squirrel brushes with an animal-friendly synthetic alternative, this set combines a range of useful shapes and sizes in a compact \"try me\" pack. Each brush has a blue-grey stained wooden short handle for control, a matte nickel-plated brass ferrule for durability, and an engineered synthetic fibre that holds water and pigment much like natural hair. The set is suitable for watercolour, gouache, and acrylics, giving artists one versatile kit for varied techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do these synthetic squirrel brushes compare to real squirrel hair?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mimik fibres are formulated to mimic the absorbency and spring of natural squirrel, offering high water and pigment capacity for sustained washes while still forming fine points for detail. Unlike many synthetics that feel stiff, these brushes balance softness with control so artists can achieve both broad washes and crisp lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEngineered fibres replicate high paint-holding ability\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSoft-bodied tips for smooth, even washes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eResilient enough to form sharp points for line work\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAnimal-friendly alternative with similar performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat brushes are included and what is each one used for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis five-piece try-me set covers common watercolour tasks from delicate lines to larger washes, so you don’t need a dozen individual brushes to start. Each shape was chosen to give new and experienced artists immediate utility in sketching, glazing, and filling areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e#1 Rigger — fine lines, script, and detailed stems\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e#2 Round — small details and controlled strokes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e#6 Round — versatile everyday brush for shapes and details\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e#10 Round — larger shapes, controlled washes, and wet-in-wet work\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e1\/2\" Flat — broad strokes, lifting, and laying flat washes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow durable and easy to care for are these brushes?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt with a matte nickel-plated brass ferrule and stained wooden short handle, these brushes are made to withstand regular studio use when cleaned and stored properly. The synthetic blend resists splaying and maintains shape longer than many natural hairs when cared for correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRinse gently after painting; reshape tips while damp\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAvoid soaking wooden handles to preserve finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStore upright or flat to prevent tip damage\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFerrule resists corrosion for longer life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich media and techniques work best with this set?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough optimised for watercolour, these brushes handle gouache and thinned acrylics well, giving you flexibility across projects. The high-capacity heads are ideal for wet-in-wet washes, glazing layers, and mixed-detail work where water retention matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWatercolour: large washes, wet-in-wet, fine details\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eGouache: controlled coverage and smooth edges\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThinned acrylics: washes and soft blending (avoid heavy-bodied acrylics)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIllustration: precision lines and small fills\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWho is this for? Creative Mark’s Mimik Synthetic Squirrel Set suits watercolour students, hobbyists, and professional artists looking for a compact, ethical alternative to natural squirrel brushes. If you want a small, versatile kit that offers strong paint-holding, soft washes, and reliable tips for detail work — without animal hair — this set is a practical, studio-ready choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Are these brushes suitable for gouache and acrylics?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Yes — they work well with watercolour and gouache; use thinned acrylics for washes but avoid heavy-bodied acrylics to preserve brush shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: How should I clean and store the Mimik synthetic squirrel brushes?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Rinse gently after use, reshape the tip while damp, avoid prolonged handle soaking, and store upright or flat to protect tips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Creative Mark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55255102161233,"sku":"B07P5JMD8P","price":38.71,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1086\/5567\/3681\/files\/creative-mark-mimik-front-packaging.jpg?v=1791697150","url":"https:\/\/craftiche.co.uk\/products\/creative-mark-mimik-synthetic-squirrel-watercolor-brush-set-5-piece-short-handle-high-paint-holding","provider":"Craftiche","version":"1.0","type":"link"}