KUM Watercolor Brush Faded French Round #4

The KUM Faded French Round #4 is a watercolor brush in the rounded French belly shape – designed for large amounts of water, soft transitions and spontaneous, expressive brushwork. The fiber blend of two different high-tech synthetic fibers was specially developed for the Medium-Soft hardness level: softer than a Kolinsky imitation, but with significantly more spring than a classic wash round brush. Each brush in the Faded series is made entirely by hand in Germany.

Special Features

• Two-fiber system for balanced performance: The softer fiber consists of different fiber diameters – this provides exceptionally high water and pigment absorption capacity and even, controlled release when painting. The stiffer fiber is stabilized by a special hardening process and gives the brush its elasticity: the brush springs cleanly back to its original shape after every stroke.
• Medium-Soft hardness level: Positioned between a very soft wash round brush and a Kolinsky imitation. The result is a brush that enables both broad, glazed surfaces and soft, controlled lines – without the tip breaking under heavier pressure.
• French round shape with large capacity: The rounded belly shape holds significantly more paint and water than a slim round brush of the same size. This allows for long brush strokes without constantly reloading – ideal for wet-on-wet techniques and large-scale washes.
• Matte black handle: The plastic handle sits sleekly in the hand, and the matte finish prevents reflections when working outdoors or under artificial light.
• 100% handcrafted in Germany: Each brush is individually hand-tied – the fiber distribution in the bundle is therefore precise, and the tip is cleanly centered.
• Pure synthetic fibers, vegan: No animal hair – the fibers are easier to clean than natural hair and respond reliably to watercolor, gouache and aqueous media.

Application & Tips

• Background washes and open areas: The Faded French Round #4 is ideal for even color areas thanks to its rounded belly shape and high capacity – whether solid skies, water reflections or breathing color transitions in wet-on-wet technique.
• Loose, expressive watercolor painting: The Medium-Soft handling allows you to apply color generously with light pressure and then set spontaneous accents with the brush tip – without changing brushes.
• Urban watercolor illustrations: For architectural subjects, street scenes and on-location sketches, the #4 size works well for switching between area work and subtle details – the brush responds precisely to pressure changes.
• Botanical subjects: Flower petals, leaf surfaces and soft shadows flow particularly smoothly with the French Round because the fiber transports the paint evenly right to the brush tip.
• Care: After painting, rinse the brush thoroughly with lukewarm water. Synthetic fibers tolerate commercial brush soap without any problems. Always dry the brush lying flat or with the tip pointing upward – never store it standing in a water glass.

For Watercolor Enthusiasts

The French round shape combines the water capacity of a wash brush with the tip control of a round brush – a form compromise rooted in the French watercolor tradition and particularly suited to spontaneous, tonal painting. With KUM Faded, the hardness level is deliberately positioned between the two extremes of the KUM range: softer than the Memory Point (Medium), firmer than the French Aqua (Soft). This positioning makes the Faded French Round particularly interesting for watercolorists who want to execute both broad washes and more precise brushstrokes with the same tool. The fact that the stiffer fiber is stabilized by thermal hardening – rather than chemical treatment – contributes to the longevity of the fibers and preserves the spring action even after many cleaning cycles.

Technical Data