boarbristle

Boarbristle refers to the coarse, stiff hairs harvested from the coats of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus). In brushmaking, boar bristle is valued for its rigidity, durability, and natural resilience, which makes it suitable for sturdy applications and for imparting a textured feel to brushes.

Properties and processing: The fibers are natural keratin hairs. They tend to be straight or slightly curved and retain stiffness when wet, with a tapered tip that helps provide a firm brush feel. The bristles are cleaned, sorted by length and thickness, and often trimmed or cut to fit specific brush shapes. Some bristles are bleached or dyed for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes.

Applications: Boar bristle brushes are commonly used in oil painting for stiff brushes used to lay on and blend oil paints, in shaving brushes as a more economical natural option, and in makeup and powder brushes for those preferring natural fibers. Synthetic bristles have largely complemented or replaced boar bristle in some markets, but natural boar bristles remain in use where a firm brush is desired.

Care and sustainability: After use, bristles should be rinsed to remove residues and dried bristle-side down or upright to prevent damage to the handle. They require gentle cleaning to avoid shedding and contamination. Boar bristles are a byproduct of pork production, which raises ethical and sustainability considerations; growing consumer interest has increased demand for synthetic or responsibly sourced alternatives.