Category: Product Recommendation

Acrylic Painting Tip #2: The Advantages of Princeton Catalyst Polytip Brushes (A Hog Hair Alternative for Acrylic Painters)

When searching for the perfect acrylic painting brush, artists often face a trade-off between the traditional feel of natural hog bristles and the durability of synthetics. The Princeton Catalyst Polytip brushes solve this dilemma. Designed with advanced synthetic fibers that mimic the natural flags of hog hair, these brushes combine strength, precision, and responsiveness—making them a favorite among both acrylic and oil-style painters. Whether you’re layering impasto textures or blending delicate glazes, Polytip brushes offer the control and resilience modern artists need. Personally, I rely on them in both plein air painting sessions outdoors and longer, detailed studio work, and they perform beautifully in both settings.

What Makes Polytip Brushes Unique?

Princeton Catalyst Polytip brushes are made with synthetic fibers that are split at the tip, mimicking the natural flags found on hog bristles. This gives them a similar texture and responsiveness to natural hair while providing extra durability. The split tips increase the surface area, which means these brushes can:

  • Hold more paint for longer, consistent strokes.
  • Release paint evenly, without leaving streaks.
  • Mimic the stiffness and spring of hog bristles, perfect for thick acrylic or oil-like applications.

Advantages for Acrylic Painters

  1. Durability – Unlike hog hair, which can break down quickly in water or under the harsh polymers in acrylic paint, synthetic Polytip fibers hold up over time. They resist fraying and keep their shape even after heavy use.
  2. Versatility – Whether you’re working with heavy body acrylics, gels, or pastes, these brushes handle thick textures beautifully. They’re also great for blending and glazing.
  3. Natural Feel Without the Downsides – If you’re used to oil painting and love the feel of hog bristles, Polytip brushes offer a nearly identical tactile experience, but with none of the shedding, water damage, or stiffness loss.
  4. Cost-Effective – Synthetic brushes are generally more affordable than high-quality natural bristle brushes and last longer when used with acrylics.

The Bottom Line

Princeton Catalyst Polytip brushes bridge the gap between the traditional and the modern. They give acrylic painters the feel and control of a natural hog hair brush but with the resilience of synthetic fibers. If you want a brush that lasts, performs, and feels like the classics, Polytip brushes are an essential addition to your studio.

Product recommendation: RayMar Wet Painting Carrier for plein air oil painting

Raymar wet painting carrier
The Raymar 8″ x 10″ wet painting carrier

My plein air experiences began with lugging around a heavy, large French easel that tenuously held only one painting on the easel stand. After doing this a couple of times, I decided that I needed a dedicated wet painting carrier that held multiple panels and was lightweight.

I’d like to mention that I’m not getting paid for this recommendation although I wouldn’t be against that. I just think this is a very good, useful product and it could be a good addition to your plein air equipment.

Why use a wet painting panel carrier at all?

  • To carry and store your wet paintings when plein air painting
  • It’s a necessary piece of equipment especially when you’re producing multiple paintings
  • Convenience! It removes the hassle of carrying a wet painting in your hands

Advantages of using the Raymar carrier?

Every company that produces a pochade box most likely makes a wet painting carrier. Sometimes, the panel carrier is incorporated into the pochade box and sometimes it’s an entirely separate item. The problem with both of these options is that they’re heavy. In comes the Raymar wet painting panel carrier. It has 3 slots that can hold six 1/8” painting panels back-to-back (although I only use it for three panels). It’s made of fluted plastic making it lightweight and waterproof.

NOTE: this product holds painting panels not canvases.

As a backpacker, I’m very conscious of how much things weigh and what a drag it is to carry unnecessary weight. This product’s light weight was a big selling point for me. The price depends on the size. I went with the 8” x 10” although they have different size carriers and multi-width carriers. My 8” x 10” set me back $35 (including tax and shipping). This seems a bit pricey for plastic but it’s worth the cost (and convenience) as it’s a very sturdy item.

Inside of Raymar wet painting carrier
Inside of the Raymar wet painting carrier

Above is the Raymar wet painting carrier in action. See the two canvas panels in one slot? It has a velcro closing lid and adjustable strap for easy transport

Summary

  1. A dedicated wet painting carrier will simplify your plein air painting process
  2. The Raymar wet painting carrier comes in different sizes (and multi sizes) to hold different size panting panels
  3. The carrier holds up to six panels back-to-back
  4. It’s lightweight and waterproof
  5. More info on the Raymar website at https://www.raymarart.com/collections/wet-painting-carriers

What do you use to carry your wet paintings when painting plein air?