Raphaël Series 8404 Kolinsky Sable Brush - Professional Round

£13.95

Raphaël Series 8404 Kolinsky Sable Brush - Professional Round

The Raphaël 8404 is a top-of-the-range Kolinsky Red Sable brush — the golden-red fawn Siberian weasel hair with incomparable spring, point, and elasticity. Fine point and full body, seamless nickel-plated brass ferrule with distinctive orange tip. Made in France by Raphaël, founded in Paris in 1793.

Kolinsky Red Sable — genuine natural hair; not synthetic

Full-bellied Pointed Round

Outstanding — sharp, decisive return to point

Fine and precise — comes to a sharp tip that holds shape

Extra-plump fluid reservoir belly that transitions instantly into a razor-sharp point, allowing an illustrator to transition from massive black washes to a 0.1mm hairline in a single stroke.

Origin: France — Raphaël (founded Paris 1793)

£13.95

Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Packaging:

We know art supplies are fragile. All professional pair and boards are shipped in reinforced rigid flat mailers. No tubes, no folds, no crushed corners.

Order Processing Times:

Orders are processed within 1–2 business days - we always aim to dispatch all “in-Stock’ items within 24 hours..

Note: Orders placed after 2 PM GMT on Fridays will be processed the following Monday.

Domestic Shipping (UK):

Standard (2–4 days): £3.50 (Free for The Illustrator & Studio Master tiers).

Priority (1–2 days): £4.50 (Free for Studio Master tier)

International Shipping:

We ship globally. Costs are calculated at checkout based on weight and destination. Please note that customers are responsible for any local customs duties or taxes.

Order Tracking:

You will receive a tracking link via email the moment your tools leave our studio.

30-Day Change of Mind:

We offer a 30-day return window (exceeding the UK legal minimum of 14 days). Items must be unused, in original packaging, and in "as-new" condition.

Faulty Goods:

In the rare event of a defect, you are entitled to a full refund or replacement within 30 days. We will cover all return shipping costs for faulty items.

Defective Nibs:

Occasionally, a pen may arrive dry or a nib maybe scratchy. Contact us within 7 days of purchase with a photo/video of the issue and we will send a replacement immediately.

Exclusions:

Due to the nature of the product, unless faulty we cannot accept returns on opened markers or used paper pads returned.

Digital Goods:

The "Birthday Palette" and other digital downloads are non-refundable once accessed.

How to Start a Return:

Email studio@inkwellartsupplies.com with your order number. We aim to process all refunds to the original payment method within 5–10 business days of receiving the item

"Gravity Happens. We’ve Got You Covered."

We know the heartbreak of a fountain pen hitting the floor. As a member of our Creative Rewards, you don't have to worry about the 'tines.' If the worst happens, just send us a photo and we'll send you a 50% discount for a fresh start.

"The Nib Safety Net" – Terms & Conditions

Eligibility: This benefit is exclusive to active members of the Creative Rewards program at the time of the accident.
Coverage: The 50% discount applies strictly to accidental damage (e.g., dropping the pen) that renders the nib unusable. It does not cover intentional damage, loss of the pen, theft, or normal wear and tear.
The Claim: To activate your discount, you must provide a clear photo of the damaged nib and your original order number to oops@yourstore.com.
Limitations: This discount is valid for a one-time replacement per pen purchased and applies only to the cost of the replacement nib unit. It cannot be combined with other promotional codes or used for full pen replacements.
Availability: We will provide the discount for the exact nib model where stock is available. If the model is discontinued, we will offer a 50% discount on a comparable alternative nib unit.

One of the finest Kolinsky sable brushes available — the Raphaël 8404

The Raphaël 8404 stands alongside Winsor & Newton Series 7 as one of the most cited Kolinsky sable brushes in professional watercolour and botanical illustration. Made with genuine Kolinsky Red Sable — hair from the tail of the Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica), specifically from the Kolinsky region — each brush is made to very high specifications with a fine point and full body. The distinctive orange tip (a quality indicator applied during production) and seamless nickel-plated brass ferrule are the visual identifiers. The spring is outstanding — the brush returns sharply to its point between strokes. The point comes to a precision tip that holds its shape under sustained use. The full belly holds significant ink or pigment, allowing longer strokes without reloading. This is a brush built for the level of practice and investment that warrants natural sable.

Honest Note:

Natural Kolinsky sable — not synthetic. Requires active care: never stand in water, clean and condition after each session, reshape when damp, dry flat or tip-up. Natural sable brushes damaged by standing in water lose their spring permanently. The investment is protected entirely by consistent 30-second post-session maintenance.

Who is it For?

Botanical and scientific illustrators who want a premium Kolinsky sable round alongside or instead of Escoda Reserva
Watercolourists who want one of the most respected Kolinsky sable brushes at the professional level
Artists who have used the Raphael 8040 Precision and want to experience what genuine Kolinsky sable adds
Practitioners building a quality brush collection who want both a Raphaël and a Winsor & Newton Series 7 for comparison

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)

What is the difference between Raphaël 8404 and Winsor & Newton Series 7?

The Raphaël 8404 generally has a slightly larger "belly" and a marginally softer feel than the Series 7. This makes it better for longer, continuous strokes, while the Series 7 is often seen as having a "stiffer" snap. Both are considered the top two brushes in the world.

How do I maintain my Raphaël 8404?

Never let ink dry in the hairs, especially near the ferrule. Clean your brush after every session with a dedicated brush soap and lukewarm water. Always reshape the point with your fingers and store it flat or hanging bristles-down to prevent water from rotting the handle.

Can I use this brush with Deleter or Speedball inks?

Yes. The 8404 handles professional India inks beautifully. However, because these inks can be corrosive to natural hair, meticulous cleaning is essential to preserve the life of your sable brush.

What sizes should I start with?

Size 2 for fine detail work; Size 4 as the most versatile general-use size for botanical illustration and moderate wash passages. Most illustrators working at A4 scale find sizes 2 and 4 cover most requirements, with size 6 added for larger wash areas.

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Raphaël Series 8404 Kolinsky Sable Brush - Professional Round

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