Reddit reviews Wilson Bickford Signature Series - Scenery Brush 2"

Hey there, I have some experience in trying to find quality cheaper alternatives. In fact, I could have probably bought several Bob brushes with the amount of money I spent trying to similar/cheaper ones. So, I found the closest the Bob brushes and absolute cheapest option is called Wooster Amber Fong Bristle Brush from Home Depot. They are "online only" but you can ship to store for free and It just takes a few weeks to ship.

I have the 1 in. Amber Fong Bristle Brush, the 2 in. Amber Fong Bristle Brush , and the 1.5 Inch Amber Fong Angle Sash Bristle Brush (similar to the Wilson Bickford Signature Series - Scenery Brush 2)

I have done 6 paintings with them and all three brushes worked exactly how the “real” ones are intended to work. I have found that the only drawback is that they shed more. That said, brand new Bob brushes seem to shed for about 4-5 paintings until all the loose hairs finally fall out.

Here is a video of me comparing the 1 inch and 2 inch with a brand new 1 inch and 2 inch Bob brushes so you can see for yourself (this was before I bought the 1.5 angle brush).

I think these brushes work super super super well for the price. That said, everyone would probably agree that the best way to learn is from using the right tools but If you’re on a budget these are an excellent alternative.

As far as paint goes, you do not want to go too cheap. You need thick paint. Anything too runny will keep you from executing the strokes and knife work correctly. This will result in you not learning the technique and leave you frustrated.

Bobs brand paint (Bobs Site, Blick, Jerrysartarama) is ideal

but

Winsor & Newton Winton (Blick, Jerrysartarama)

and

Gamblin 1980 (Blick, Jerrysartarama) will work too. I have tried using cheaper and it just doesn’t work.

This is just my opinion from trial and error. I am by no means an expert so take it with a grain of salt or is it sand?