Size 15/0 of the MICRO-NOVA Series 175 is a micro brush with a bent ferrule. The head is a pointed round, 4.0 mm long with a 0.55 mm body – the same dimensions as size 15/0 in the MICRO-COLINEO Set 172. The difference is that the neck is bent at an angle behind the ferrule, so the tip points somewhere other than the handle.
Why that matters: on an assembled model you cannot reach many details with a straight brush without catching a shield, a weapon or a cloak with the handle or your fingers. The angled brush goes around the obstacle – your hand stays clear of the figure while the tip gets under a helmet, behind a shield or into a tank's vision slit. The fibre is NOVA extra-fine gold-coloured synthetic, and the brush is vegan.
| Series | 175 (MICRO-NOVA) |
| Size | 15/0 |
| Fibre | extra-fine gold-coloured synthetic |
| Shape | pointed round on a bent ferrule (angled) |
| Visible fibre length | 4.0 mm |
| Brush body diameter | 0.55 mm |
| Total length | 145 mm |
| Length with protective cap | 150 mm |
| Handle | short wooden, black lacquered with a red band |
| Ferrule | silver-coloured, bent |
| Paints | acrylic, watercolour, gouache, oil |
| Vegan | yes – no animal hair |
| Manufacturer | da Vinci Kunstlerpinselfabrik DEFET GmbH, Nuremberg |
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer code | VA-175_-15 |
For most detail work a straight brush is more comfortable – the tip sits in line with your hand and the movement feels natural. If you paint sub-assemblies before gluing, you will hardly need an angled brush. For straight work at the same size there is the MICRO-COLINEO Set 172 (synthetic, identical dimensions) or the sable MICRO-MAESTRO 100.
Buy the angled 175 as an extra when you paint assembled models, larger groups and vehicles, or when reach is what holds you back on details. The 15/0 is finer for eyes and dots; size 5/0 is half a millimetre longer and, with a 0.75 mm body, carries more paint for longer lines.
Is an angled brush hard to control?
It takes a little getting used to, because the tip is not in line with the handle. Roll the brush between your fingers until the tip points where you need it and rest your wrist on the desk. After a few sessions it feels natural.
What is the difference between 15/0 and 5/0?
15/0 has 4.0 mm of fibre and a 0.55 mm body, 5/0 has 4.5 mm and 0.75 mm. The smaller one is for pupils, highlights and dots, the larger for lines, rivets and trim in recesses.
Is it sable or synthetic?
Synthetic – the extra-fine gold NOVA fibre also used in Series 1570 and 1375. It is vegan and tolerates metallics and washes, so you can touch up metal details with it too.
How do I look after it?
A micro brush is ruined quickly by dried paint. Work with thin paint, rinse often, and after painting wash it in lukewarm water with 4033 brush soap. Shape the tip with your fingers and store it with the cap on.
Not sure which series fits your work? The complete guide to da Vinci brushes for miniatures compares every series by hair length, shape and use.