Size 0 of the COLINEO Series 5522 is the all-round size – if you buy one COLINEO, buy this. COLINEO is not an ordinary synthetic – it is a fibre da Vinci developed specifically as a Kolinsky sable replacement. It combines straight and waved filaments: the waved ones create capillary spaces between the fibres that draw in and hold paint much as natural hair does, while the straight ones pull the tip into a point.
This size carries 8.5 mm of visible hair on a 1.50 mm body. The handle is water-resistant laminated wood, so it will not swell or crack.
| Series | 5522 (COLINEO) |
| Size | 0 |
| Fibre | Kolinsky-imitating synthetic fibre – straight and waved filaments |
| Shape | round, pointed |
| Visible hair length | 8.5 mm |
| Brush body diameter | 1.50 mm |
| Total length | 180 mm |
| Length with protective cap | 185 mm |
| Handle | short hexagonal, water-resistant multicolour laminated wood |
| Ferrule | silver-coloured |
| Paints | acrylic, watercolour, gouache, ink, Indian ink |
| Fibre origin | no animal hair |
| Manufacturer | da Vinci Kunstlerpinselfabrik DEFET GmbH, Nuremberg |
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer code | VA-5522_0 |
This is the decision that matters with synthetics, and the answer is not "more expensive is better". Both are da Vinci and both are synthetic. In size 0 the NOVA 1570 carries exactly the same hair and body – 8.5 mm and 1.50 mm. The geometry is practically identical – only the fibre differs.
NOVA is a classic synthetic filament: stiff, durable, cheap. It holds less paint and the point splays over a long stroke. COLINEO has a capillary structure built from waved filaments, so it draws in and holds paint far better and the tip springs back to a point.
The practical decision: if you varnish, mix pigments, brush on primer or glue, buy the NOVA – it is cheaper and anything better is wasted on that work. If you layer, glaze and paint detail with thinned paint, buy the COLINEO. The price gap is real, but you are paying for the fibre, not the badge.
And if you want genuine Kolinsky sable, see Series 10 or Series 35.
How is COLINEO different from an ordinary synthetic?
The waved filaments. A normal synthetic filament is straight, so there is no space between fibres for paint to sit in. COLINEO mixes straight and waved fibres – the waved ones create capillary gaps that work as a reservoir. That is why it holds more thinned paint than a NOVA of the same size.
Does COLINEO replace real Kolinsky sable?
It gets close, but it does not replace it. Sable still has better spring and keeps a sharp point longer. COLINEO is the best synthetic alternative da Vinci makes, and with contrast paints, washes and technical mediums it is actually the more practical choice – it does not clog and harsh mediums do not hurt it.
Is it a vegan alternative?
Yes. The fibre is fully synthetic, with no animal hair. If you will not use sable on principle, COLINEO is as close as performance gets.
Why the unusual handle?
It is water-resistant laminated wood. An ordinary lacquered handle eventually swells from water and the lacquer cracks at the ferrule. This one does not.
How do I look after it?
Synthetic is tougher than sable, but the same rule applies: paint must never dry in the ferrule. Wash with lukewarm water and brush soap after painting and dry it flat. Hot water deforms synthetic fibre permanently – avoid it.
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.