was told in art class yesterday that paint brushes are made from animals tails (mink) and is freaking out. She refused to finish her painting (I support her conviction) I do recall hearing that boars hairs were used in brushes. Does anyone know about this? Veggie bashers will just look stupid by answering
2007-03-13 01:58:22 · 10 answers · asked by beebs 6 in Food & Drink ➔ Vegetarian & Vegan
Most brushes now a days are made out of synthetic hairs. But those that aren't are made form many different fibres and if it is a high quality brush made of hair(not mass produced) more then likely no animal was harmed in the making. Just a hair cut. Like your boar hair brush the hairs are trimmed off the razor back pigs that have a Mohawk from head to tail. If still in doubt go to a local art supple store and find a animal friendly brand. Also check out WWF or PETA gift shops on line, if nothing else to find a brand or product line of animal friendly paint brushes.
2007-03-13 02:11:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Many brushes now are made of nylon, so she need not worry too much. The easiest thing to do is hit up a supply store, or even someplace like WalMart and find synthetic brushes :) Mink and fox are used in many types but she should easily be able to find replacements. The bad thing is many paints also contain animal ingredients, so she may want to check on that as well if she is going to fight the fight so to speak. Anyhow she should stay away from these:
ARTISTS' BRUSHES
Sable hair - used for watercolour brushes - derived from the Asian or Siberian mink Mustela, or Red Tartar marten.
Squirrel hair - for wash brushes and mops.
Hog bristle - Chinese hog bristle is torn from the back of the pig.
Badger hair - used for blending or softening paint.
'Brown sable' hair - tails, together with the body fur dyed by the furrier.
An easy way to tell:
First, check the handle. Usually synthetic brushes are labeled “nylon” or “polyester,” while natural-bristle brushes are labeled “china bristle” or just “bristle.” An experienced finger or eye can distinguish between the smooth texture of synthetic bristles and the rougher surface of natural ones. But until you develop that proficiency, here’s another way. Clip off a few bristles, grip them with a pair of pliers and light the ends with a match. You’ll probably recognize the scent of either burnt plastic or burnt hair. Blow out the flame and examine the ends of the bristles. The ash on a natural bristle is easily brushed off. There will be a little, hard-to-remove nub of plastic on the end of the synthetic fiber.
Hope this helps!
2007-03-13 05:00:33 · answer #2 · answered by ~*Kim*~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most quality brushes continue to be made with animal hair. Avid artists don't feel they get the same quality from synthetic brushes. Since she's most likely not a professional artist at age 12, just go to a craft store and buy her some synthetic brushes that she can take to class with her. That way she can finish her painting (and continue with painting in general) without the guilt. This will also let other students know that there is an alternative if they choose to share her beliefs. And KUDOS to your daughter (and you) for standing up for her beliefs!
2007-03-13 05:28:42 · answer #3 · answered by kittikatti69 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes this is true, many times mink and sable are used for brushes. I suppose boar hairs can be used, but for the stiffer brushes. I know they're used in hairbrushes.
Perhaps you can get her a set of synthetic brushes at an art supplies store? Then she can continue her class and her grade need not suffer.
Edit: Meaty naysayers make fools of themselves when they belittle veggie issues. Really, if you don't agree with our issues, just move on.
2007-03-13 04:39:24 · answer #4 · answered by Dolores G. Llamas 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Most brushes are synthetic, and since it's harder to mass-produce animal-hair brushes, the school probably bought synthetic brushes to be cheaper. If she's worried about it, just buy some fake ones from an art store. I have a bunch of synthetic brushes, that I use, and they're all much better than the hog-hair brushes that were on display next to them.
2007-03-13 04:47:48 · answer #5 · answered by veggierockerdude 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know much about paint brushed but I do admire you daughter for being so.... I dont know the word but you know what I mean. When I was 12 I probably would not have cared. Now a vegetarian and an animal activist I would do the same, but I am 18 not 12. Good luck to her.
2007-03-14 19:06:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have heard that most quality paint brushes are made out of animal hair, but I'm sure there are brushes that aren't. Perhaps she could purchase her own set of brushes made out of man-made materials and encourage her school to do the same?
2007-03-13 02:04:24 · answer #7 · answered by They call me ... Trixie. 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well you have two choices here you can try finger painting or go to a health store and try to find an alternative.
2007-03-13 05:47:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
tell her that the hairs come from when the minks and other rodents get their furs shaved and they grow back and repeat the process. I don't know if this is true, but she should finish that painting and not give up her creativity for something so insignificant.
2007-03-13 08:17:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 9⤋
Too late, veggies already look stupid for caring about stupid **** like this.
2007-03-13 04:15:25 · answer #10 · answered by djanonymousclown 2 · 1⤊ 16⤋