Mack Pinstriper Brushes

Mack Pinstriping Brushes are celebrated for their craftsmanship and tradition, being made entirely by hand since 1891, a tradition that distinguishes them in the pinstriping brush market. These brushes are crafted in Jonesville, Michigan, using 100% unmixed squirrel hair, ensuring a quality that is hard to match. The process involves eight to ten highly skilled technicians, emphasizing the meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality that goes into each brush .

Choosing the right Mack brush involves personal preference and the specific job at hand. For curves, a brush with less hair in the belly section is recommended to avoid the line going fat at tight corners. Conversely, long lines require a brush with a thick belly to hold more paint. Many artists end up customizing their brushes to suit their specific needs, although this can alter the brush’s natural flow and snap.

For care, it’s important to properly clean brushes after use, especially when using harsher paints like lacquers and urethanes that can shorten the brush’s lifespan. Techniques vary among artists, but the goal is to remove paint without damaging the brush’s glue or hairs. Day-to-day cleaning may involve a mix of brush conditioner and mineral spirits, while deeper cleaning involves specific solvents and careful handling to preserve the brush’s integrity.

Understanding the nuanced differences between Mack Series 10 and Series 20 pinstriping brushes offers valuable insight into selecting the right tool for specific pinstriping tasks.

The Mack Series 10 brushes, recognized by their distinctive blue thread, utilize bristles made from Blue Squirrel tail hair. This choice of material lends the brushes an exceptional flexibility, making them ideally suited for executing curves and intricate designs. The natural characteristics of Blue Squirrel hair, known for its fine, soft, and flexible qualities, allow the Series 10 brushes to flow smoothly over surfaces, adapting effortlessly to the artist’s movements and intentions.

Conversely, the Mack Series 20, or the classic sword stripers, marked by green thread around the ferrule, are crafted from Gray Squirrel tail hair. Gray Squirrel bristles are a bit stiffer compared to Blue Squirrel, which confers the Series 20 brushes with greater control and precision for straight line work. This stiffness is particularly advantageous for pinstriping tasks that demand exactitude, such as paint touch-ups where precise application of paint is crucial.

The choice between these two series ultimately hinges on the specific requirements of the pinstriping project at hand. The Series 10’s flexibility makes it a go-to for artists looking to create dynamic, curved lines and intricate patterns, while the Series 20’s stiffness is perfect for those needing to execute sharp, straight lines or precise touch-ups. This distinction in action and steerability underscores the importance of selecting a brush that aligns with the artist’s technique and the demands of the artwork.

These insights highlight the craftsmanship behind Mack brushes and the thoughtful consideration given to the materials and design to best serve the pinstriping community. Whether an artist leans towards the supple nature of the Series 10 or the controlled firmness of the Series 20, each brush series offers a tool tailored to enhance the pinstriping experience and outcome.