Meet the MAKERS

Every paint brush is handcrafted in the last remaining brush factory in the UK. To this day, everything is still produced from inside the same 150 year old stone mill in the centre of Skipton on the borders of the Yorkshire Dales. We've developed new manufacturing techniques alongside other timeless methods to produce the highest standard of artists' brush. Everything is handmade, checked and controlled by us here in Yorkshire.

Mixing & Bundling

We mix each paint brush to our individual specifications using different grades of fibre. Following this procedure, the hair is bundled tightly to allow each hair mix to be cut to the correct length using a guillotine

Head Making

Our skilled brush makers select the correct amount of hair to fill each ferrule before pulling the hair to each specified length. Traditional styles of paint brushes using sable and squirrel hair are made using a cannon and strong thread in which the fibres are tied and the hair is shaped by hand to create a dome shape, allowing the brush to point. Synthetics are made in a similar way but not tied

Glueing

When the heads of the paint brushes have been made, the fibres must then be set into place. This is done by using two part epoxy adhesive or solvent based cement. The viscosity is important as it must penetrate the fibres to the correct depth. Too little and the hair could fall out, too much and the hair becomes too stiff

Printing

The print information gives each paint brush its identity. It contains the series number, name, size and barcode number. To do this we use two techniques - hot foil and ink pad printing

Clenching

Wood and metal are incompatible materials, so when fitting the brush handles to the heads, it is important that the fit is as close as possible. The ferrules are tapered so it is important to have a tapered handle. A cement is added when fitting which fill any gaps and adds strength to the joint. Finally the ferrule is clenched onto the handle which fixes it firmly as well as providing an aesthetic appearance

Finishing

Once a batch of paint brushes have been produced, its components are then finished to make them presentable. This includes gumming the fibres, protecting them with a clear sleeve and polishing out any blemishes or marks

Packing

Finally, the brushes are packed in clear bags and stored in tubs. Each size and series are kept separately ready to be picked and sent out to customers

THE TEAM

Meet some of the people who are responsible for our product innovation, high manufacturing standards and excellent customer service. This is Pro Arte…

JAYNE

LEAH

JOHN

CHRISSIE

JANET

RACHAEL

DENISE

KAYLEIGH

CLAIRE

WILMA

RACHEL

ANN

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