Yasutomo Niji Waterbrush Large 7/32' x 5/8'

I was pleasantly surprised by all the brushes in the series. All the brushes behave basically the same so I'm reusing the review for each brush. Water flow is different between the round and flat brushes and I'll cover it last.From different reviews around the web my concerns were that the bristles would be too stiff, that the bristles would pull easily from the ferrule, and that the water would not flow at a comfortable rate.When they arrived I was most surprised by the flat brush. Instead of a flat ferrule the brush was actually a full round brush with a snap-off flat adapter. Without the adapter it is dense enough and long enough to act as a very effective mop brush. All the brushes have interchangeable water reservoir tubes; the flat has a purple handle, the rounds have long blue or short blue handles.All the brushes have soft white nylon bristles that spring back nicely. They were quite dense, with enough bristles that the brushes are easy to control in spite of the softness. When the water reservoir is full they have a good weight in my hand, and I can tell by balance when they start to run low. The brushes work well for all techniques I've used including lifting, splattering, dropping, glazing, and washing large areas.I've used the brushes for just over a month. They are still very supple and I haven't noticed any significant change to them over time. I have seen practically no shedding, which surprised me. They are very nearly as full and springy as the day they arrived in spite of my vigorous cleaning habits. They've held up much better than most of the inexpensive brushes I've ever purchased.I use them with Derwent watercolor pencils including their Inktense pencils that will set permanently after their first hydration. Because the brushes keep themselves moist I've found they stain less easily than my traditional nylon brushes. The tips are darkened from use but they are clean; I can soak the brush and rub it on white paper without making marks.Controlling the water flow on the round brushes was easy for me. With a full reservoir I can keep the brush dry enough to just barely hydrate the pencil so it would dry in seconds, if I want. With a mostly empty reservoir I can still keep the brush saturated to leave a heavy trail of water, if I want. It took only a few minutes of experimenting before I could keep the brush at any saturation level I wanted for any speed of stroke. I can keep the reservoir full with the lid on and water does not seep through.Controlling the water flow on the flat brush was a little more difficult. The gasket lets out water more easily than the rounds. It took about a half hour of experimenting before I got the feel of the flat brush's flow. I still sometimes put out more water than I expect. I use the brush as a mop or a wide flat rather than for detail work so this doesn't hurt, but it is a distraction when using it. Like the rounds, I can keep the reservoir full without flooding the lid.I love these brushes. I find myself using them almost exclusively instead of my traditional rounds. I can keep them full without needing to keep a cup of water on hand. They are not a replacement for traditional brushes; none of the brushes will replace a good liner or rigger. When I want a general brush for wetting my pencil work these are my new brush of choice.

The big benefit to the Niji waterbrushes is that they have a LARGE water reservoir. I tend to go through water like crazy when I use waterbrushes, so having to keep refill them can be irritating. So I really appreciate that the Niji has such a BIG water reservoir when compared to others on the market.Another big benefit is the size of the brush- the large brush is perfect- while it's large enough to substantial area in just a few strokes, the tip of the brush is very fine and pointed, which allows for detail work, and for making very crisp, sharp edges.One negative thing about the Niji is I find they don't hold up to much abuse- the brush tip frays easily and doesn't always bounce back into a point after use. I try and keep it as conditioned as possible and try not to "scrub" too much with it. Both those things help.

I purchased this waterbrush specifically because I have other Niji waterbrushes that are terrific. Imagine my shock last night when I filled it with water, turned it over to paint with it, squeezed for water to come out down the bristles and water went everywhere. Not only out of the brush like it is supposed to, but in between the area where the water reservoir screws into the brush head.I rechecked to make sure I had screwed it on properly, turned it even tighter to be safe, and same thing. Water dribbling down out above the threads. I was so disappointed because it had a large reservoir for water.Can't return, already threw the wrapping away. Also, kind of weird that no other reviews mention this.

For many years, this was my favorite water brush. Since I found the Faber-Castel brand I'll be purchasing those exclusively. This Yasumoto is VERY good, though, and I would definitely recommend it.

I saw someone using one when we were someplace sketching. Had to get one. It is so easy to use and very pleased with the paint application with it. And very easy to clean to switch colors - no water cup needed. I have been considering getting more, but one alone seems good so far. The bristles easily come to a point and the brush is overall big enough for me to do a wash with it. So I can do both detail and broad strokes with it.

The Niji water-brush is okay however, the Pentel water-brush is much better; the Pentel has a much finer point on the brush and the brush snaps back into shape better despite being slightly soft also.The most disappointing part of the Niji water-brush (besides no points on their round brushes) is the water container. It is near impossible to get water out of the container because of the water cap design. This is true of every Niji water brush!The Niji gets 3 stars because it works good as a water "flat" brush; ironic they make a flat water brush as well. If you want and need a water brush with a round brush brush that holds a point, do not buy a Niji. Only buy a Niji round brush (Small to Large) to use as a flat water-brush. Instead take a look at Pentel's Water-Brushes, (Fine, Medium and Large) ... they are excellent compared to Niji's round brushes.

Wonderful service, fabulous brush

Buenos pinceles, pero más de lo mismo. Nada nuevo bajo el sol.Había que probarlos porque me encantan los pinceles de agua; los uso muchísimo.

He probado varias marcas y modelos.Yo considero que este es el mejor, puesto que tiene varias características muy buenas.1- La fibras mantienen su forma y no se abren.2 - El deposito del agua siempre está limpio. Puesto que tiene una cánula por la que recoge el aire del exterior, no se colorea el agua, cosa que si ocurre con otros pinceles.3- Este, al tener el deposito tan grande, dura mucho más tiempo.Como parte negativa, puede ser algo molesto el rellenar el depósito, puesto que es un poco estrecho el agujero. Pero lo colocas bajo el grifo, presionas un poco y sin problemas.Muy recomendable