Quick answer: A Raphael 8404 size 1 is a small-to-medium Kolinsky sable round watercolor brush, used for detail, fine washes and controlled line work, while size 0 is finer and size 2 holds more water for slightly larger shapes. Pick size 0 for tiny details, size 1 as an all-round detail brush and size 2 when you want a bit more paint capacity. Brush sizing is not standardized across makers, so check the actual dimensions on the maker’s chart before you buy.
Raphael’s Series 8404 is one of the best-known Kolinsky sable round brushes among watercolor painters, and its size range runs from tiny spotting brushes to large wash sizes. For most painters, the confusing part is not whether to buy one but which size. A brush that is too small turns every wash into a chore, while one that is too big cannot reach the details.
This guide explains how to read the numbering, what the small sizes 0, 1 and 2 are best for, how they compare, and how to pick a sensible set. It relies on published product descriptions and general watercolor practice rather than personal use of the brushes, and brush dimensions vary, so verify measurements before purchase. For a broader look at the series, including its construction and where it fits among sable brushes, the Raphael 8404 review is the companion piece to this one.
What the Raphael 8404 Is
Retailer descriptions list the 8404 as a round watercolor brush made from pure Kolinsky sable, with a seamless nickel-plated ferrule and a black lacquered handle with orange tips. Kolinsky sable is prized for its combination of fine point, springy snap and a belly that holds a good amount of water. These traits make small round sables popular for detail work in watercolor and for gouache and ink.
Specifications such as exact hair length and ferrule size can differ between listings and over time, so check the maker’s official chart if you need precise dimensions.
How Round Brush Sizes Work
Sizes are written as numbers, and the scale runs in both directions. Zero and the “aught” sizes, written as 0, 00, 000 and so on (or 1/0, 2/0, 3/0), are progressively smaller than size 1. Larger numbers such as 2, 4, 6 and 8 are progressively bigger. There is no universal standard for what each number means in millimeters, so a size 1 from one maker can be different from a size 1 from another. French and German makers often follow slightly different conventions as well. Within a single series from one maker, the numbering is consistent, which makes it easy to compare sizes within the 8404 line.
| Size | Relative scale | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| 0000 to 000 | Very tiny | Hairline details, miniatures, eyelashes, signatures |
| 00 to 0 | Small detail | Fine lines, small petals, text, botanical veins |
| 1 | Small, versatile | Detail with some wash capacity, field sketching |
| 2 | Small to medium | Small shapes, leaves, bigger details, light washes |
| 4 | Medium | Everyday shapes and moderate washes |
| 6 and up | Large | Wash work and big areas |
Raphael 8404 Size 0
Size 0 is a fine detail brush. It carries a small amount of paint and water, which suits precise work but dries out quickly during long strokes.
Best uses for size 0
- Thin lines such as stems, whiskers, fine hair and cracks.
- Small botanical details, including veins on leaves and stamens in flowers.
- Lettering, signatures and tiny patterns.
- Miniature paintings and sketchbook details.
- Adding final accents to a nearly finished painting.
Limitations
- Not suited to filling large shapes, as the paint load runs out fast.
- Requires a steady hand; mistakes at this scale are visible.
- Can be too small to serve as your only brush for small paintings.
Raphael 8404 Size 1
Size 1 is a practical middle ground in the small sizes. Retail descriptions of the 8404 size 1 mention a round belly with a fine point and spring, which fits its role as a detail brush that still holds enough water to be useful.
Best uses for size 1
- General detail work in small to medium paintings.
- Painting small leaves, petals, feathers and eyes in a single stroke.
- Line work that varies in width as you press and lift.
- Travel sketching and field journaling where one small brush must do many jobs.
- Small wet-on-wet passages and gradient strokes.
Limitations
- Larger washes will still require a bigger brush.
- Very fine hairlines may need size 0 or smaller.
Raphael 8404 Size 2
Size 2 steps up in capacity while keeping a point suitable for smaller shapes. It is a good choice for painters who find size 1 runs dry too quickly.
Best uses for size 2
- Small shapes such as leaves, petals and fruit.
- Light washes in small areas and quick background touches.
- Controlled strokes with a bit more paint and water.
- Smoother blending of small color transitions.
Limitations
- Less control for very fine details.
- May feel slightly large for miniatures.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Sizes 0, 1 and 2
| Feature | Size 0 | Size 1 | Size 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paint and water capacity | Low | Low to moderate | Moderate |
| Fine detail ability | Excellent | Very good | Good |
| Small shape filling | Slow | Fair | Good |
| Best for | Hairlines, miniatures | All-round small work | Small shapes, light washes |
| Common pairing | With size 2 or 4 | With size 4 or 6 | With size 0 and 6 |
Choosing a Size by Painting Style
Botanical and natural history illustration
A size 0 for fine veins and a size 2 for petals and leaves is a common pairing. Add a size 4 or 6 for background washes.
Miniature painting and portraits
Smaller is better: sizes 00 and 0 for detail, and size 1 or 2 for larger areas.
Landscape sketching
Size 1 or 2 is useful for trees, rocks and small details, but you will need a larger brush for skies and big washes.
Urban sketching and journaling
Size 1 or 2 works well as a go-anywhere detail brush, with a larger waterbrush or round for broad areas.
Gouache and ink work
Sable rounds in small sizes are also used for gouache details and ink washes. Rinse them thoroughly, since pigments can stain the hairs.
Building a Small Brush Set Around the 8404
- Start with one small and one medium. For example, size 1 and size 6, which cover detail and washes.
- Add a very fine brush such as size 0 or 00 if you do miniature or botanical work.
- Add a mop or large wash brush for skies and big backgrounds.
- Consider a flat or angled brush for edges, straight lines and architecture.
- Add a rigger or script brush if you paint long thin lines.
- Replace as needed. Small sables are delicate and wear at the tip with heavy use.
Matching Brush Size to Paper Size
A helpful rule of thumb is to match the brush to the scale of your painting. On small formats, such as postcards or pages in a small travel sketchbook, a size 0 to 2 can handle most of the work. On sheets of about quarter-sheet size, a size 6 to 8 handles washes while a size 1 or 2 handles the details. On half-sheet and larger papers, small rounds are used mostly for finishing touches, and the main work happens with larger rounds, flats and mops. If you notice yourself making dozens of tiny strokes to fill a shape, that is a sign to move up a size.
| Paper size | Main workhorse brush | Detail brush |
|---|---|---|
| Postcard or small sketchbook | Size 2 to 4 | Size 0 or 1 |
| Letter-size sheet | Size 6 to 8 | Size 1 or 2 |
| Quarter sheet | Size 8 to 10 or a flat | Size 2 |
| Half sheet or larger | Large round, flat or mop | Size 2 to 4 |
Practice Exercises for Small Sable Rounds
Small sable brushes reward practice, and a few simple exercises help you learn how much control they offer.
- Pressure ladder. Draw a line from thin to thick and back, pressing and lifting to vary the width. A good sable lets you move from hairline to full belly in one stroke.
- Leaf drill. Paint a row of leaves by pressing the belly down, pulling slightly and lifting to a point. Compare how sizes 1 and 2 shape the same leaf.
- Dot and comma strokes. Make dots of different sizes by changing pressure, then add tails to make commas.
- Wet-on-wet blooms. Touch a loaded brush to a damp patch of paper to see how the water in the belly releases.
- Line control. Draw long, steady lines with a loaded brush, practicing consistent speed and a light touch.
- Tiny gradients. Blend two colors in a small shape by loading one color at the tip and another at the belly.
How to Judge a Small Watercolor Brush Before or After Buying
Whatever the brand, these checks tell you a lot about a small round.
- Point. When wet and shaken lightly, the hairs should gather to a single fine tip with no stray hairs sticking out.
- Snap. Press the tip on paper and lift it; it should return to its original shape without bending.
- Belly. The widest part should hold a visible bead of paint and water that releases steadily.
- Ferrule and handle. Hairs should be firmly set, with no wobble, and the ferrule should be smooth.
- Shedding. A few hairs shed in the first uses is normal for some brushes, but ongoing loss is a warning sign.
Natural vs. Synthetic Small Rounds
Kolinsky sable is the traditional choice for fine watercolor rounds, but modern synthetic brushes have improved considerably and many painters use them for detail. Synthetics are generally more affordable, durable and vegan-friendly, while sable offers a distinctive combination of water capacity and snap that many painters prefer for fine work. If you are unsure, buy one small sable and one good synthetic in the same size and compare how they feel with your own painting style and paper before expanding your set.
Caring for a Small Sable Brush
- Rinse gently after each session and reshape the tip with your fingers.
- Do not rest the brush tip-down in water. It bends the hairs permanently.
- Dry flat or upright with the hairs up. Never store a damp brush in a closed tube.
- Use a brush soap occasionally, especially after working with staining pigments or gouache.
- Protect from moths and pests by storing in a clean, dry place.
- Avoid heavy scrubbing, abrasive paper and masking fluid, which can damage the tip.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Size
- Buying only tiny sizes. You will end up with too many small strokes for a big shape.
- Assuming all size 1 brushes are equal. Compare dimensions, not just numbers.
- Ignoring the paper size. A small page works well with small brushes, while larger sheets need larger ones.
- Overpaying for sizes you rarely use. A few well-chosen sizes serve better than a full range.
- Not testing the brush. Check the point and snap in a store if possible, or buy from retailers with good return policies.
FAQs
What size is the Raphael 8404 size 1 used for?
It is a versatile small round, suited to detail, small shapes and varied line work. It holds more water than size 0 but still keeps a fine point.
What is the difference between Raphael 8404 size 1 and size 2?
Size 2 is slightly larger and holds more paint and water, making it better for small shapes and washes. Size 1 offers finer control for detail.
Is Raphael 8404 size 0 too small?
For painting fine lines, miniatures and details, it is the right size. It is too small for filling shapes, so most people pair it with a larger brush.
Are brush sizes standardized?
No. Each maker uses its own sizing, and sizes can differ between series. Compare dimensions on the maker’s chart.
Is the Raphael 8404 made of Kolinsky sable?
Retailer descriptions list the series as pure Kolinsky sable. Check the manufacturer’s website for current specifications.
Which Raphael 8404 size should a beginner buy first?
A size 1 or 2 for detail plus a larger round such as size 6 is a flexible start. Beginners may also practice with less expensive brushes before investing in sable.
Final Thoughts
The Raphael 8404 sizes 0, 1 and 2 cover most small-scale watercolor work: size 0 for the finest detail, size 1 as a flexible all-rounder and size 2 for extra capacity. Choose according to your painting size and subject, and pair small sizes with a larger wash brush so the same brush is not asked to do everything.
For more on construction, performance and value, read the in-depth review of the Raphael 8404 brush before you decide which sizes to buy.
