How Does the New Kum Memory Point Brush Shape Up? Tested

22/10/2018

Memory Point Brush Review with Malcolm Dewey

I do like a good paint brush. Yes, they make a difference as I discovered with bristle brushes for oil painting. But what about watercolor brushes? Or a versatile brush you can use for acrylics too. Synthetic brushes preferably. The brush must, above all else, keep its shape and last a long time. Asking too much? Not to the clever Germans at Kum.

Their new Memory Point brushes claim to solve the problem of wayward synthetic hair ruining your painting experience. In this article I going to test the brushes with a watercolor painting.

What is a Memory Point Brush?
I obtained a Memory Point brush from Art Savings Club recently to try out. It is a filbert shape, size 14, and rather a handsome looking brush. Clothed in a pearlescent coat of white paint it is evidently well made. The short handle suggests watercolor painting, graphic acrylic painting and perhaps ink as suitable mediums. I would not use this brush for oil painting.

The manufacturers claim that the hairs of the brush have been specially treated to ensure they hold their shape. The brush allows for precision fine lines as well as broad brush strokes. Simply by varying your grip and pressure you will achieve many true brushstrokes.

Another claimed feature is that the synthetic hairs hold more liquid than other synthetic hair brushes. This is a big feature in my book. Generally synthetic hair brushes are poor for big flowing brushstrokes. I have always preferred the natural mop brush to solve this problem. However mop brushes are not ideal for more precision work. Will the Kum brush cater for both scenarios?

Take a Closer Look
The brushes are made in a variety of shapes with a generous quantity of fine hair bristles.

Watch the video below for more about the brush's characteristics.

What is the Brush Like to Use?

I must confess to being a skeptic when it comes to synthetic hair brushes. I have used top quality synthetic brushes for oil painting and they cannot compare to natural hair brushes. I suspect the barrage of solvents and heavy use that oils entails are too much for synthetic hair brushes. But with water based mediums this should not be a big issue. Except it is.

Splayed hairs are all too common for watercolor and acrylic brushes too. Does the memory point solve this problem? From my use so far the brush has kept its shape perfectly. As you can see from the video above the brush creates a good variety of shapes. Plus the brush holds a lot of liquid. Of course it is not a mop, but four big strokes of watercolor per go is not to be sniffed at.

Will the brush keep it shape after a few months? Time will tell. I have used it for a week for this article and regular use has not phased it. So far so good.

Painting Demonstration
In the demonstration below I use two brushes. A mop for big washes and the Kum Memory Point for a variety of shapes. No hairs fell out of the brush and it was a pleasure to use. See for yourself. I will keep this brush with my watercolor kit from now on. Maybe add a round brush as well.

You can find out more about the brushes at Art Savings Club. If you are looking for information about acrylic painting take a look at my extensive beginners course for acrylics.