da Vinci

DA VINCI – Handcrafted Brushes from Nuremberg Since 1890

Da Vinci (DEFET) is a German manufacturer of art brushes, founded by Fritz Defet in 1890 in Nuremberg. After World War II, 18-year-old Hansfried Defet and his mother revived the company and registered the “Leonardo da Vinci” trademark in 1952.

History of the Da Vinci Brand

Today, Da Vinci offers the largest selection of art brushes in the world, all handcrafted in Germany. From premium Kolinsky sable brushes in the Maestro line to synthetic Casaneo brushes, every brush carries the name and reputation of a company with more than 130 years of tradition.

Da Vinci Product Range at ARTMiE

• Maestro Kolinsky – Kolinsky sable brushes, the world’s finest for watercolor
• Casaneo – synthetic watercolor brushes, a lightweight alternative to Kolinsky
• Cosmotop Spin – synthetic brushes for acrylic and oil paints
• Brush Sets – complete sets for various techniques

Why Da Vinci?

Handcrafted, German quality, 130 years of experience. Every Da Vinci brush is made with the precision and care you can feel with every stroke on the canvas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right da Vinci brush for my painting style?

Your choice depends on the technique. For watercolor, choose the Maestro series with natural sable hair, which holds plenty of water. If you paint with acrylics or oil paints, try synthetic brushes from the Cosmotop-Spin or Forte series. Our ARTMiE selection includes detailed descriptions for each type to help you decide whether you need flexible synthetic bristles or soft natural bristles.

What makes da Vinci brushes better than ordinary art brushes?

The da Vinci brand represents German precision and handcrafted production. Each brush undergoes strict quality control, ensuring that the bristles don’t fall out and the ferrule stays firmly in place. Thanks to special processing technologies, the brushes retain their shape and flexibility over time, qualities you’ll appreciate for detailed work that ordinary hobby brushes can’t handle after a few uses.

How should I care for da Vinci brushes so they last as long as possible?

After painting, wash the brush thoroughly with lukewarm water and mild soap. Never leave it standing in water with the bristles pointing down, as this could permanently deform them. After washing, shape the bristles back to their original form and leave the brush to air-dry horizontally. Proper care will keep your da Vinci brushes looking like new, even after years of intensive use.

What is the difference between synthetic and natural bristles in da Vinci brushes?

Natural bristles, such as sable, are ideal for watercolor because they absorb paint well and have an excellent point. Synthetic fibers are more resistant to the chemicals in acrylic paints and oil paints. Da Vinci develops high-quality synthetic blends that imitate the properties of natural bristles, giving you excellent durability without compromising stroke precision.

Which da Vinci brush series are most popular with ARTMiE customers?

Our customers most often choose the Cosmotop-Spin series for its versatility with watercolor and acrylics. The Forte series has long been a favorite for oil painting, as it’s firm enough for thick paints. If you’re looking for a brush for detailed work, the Maestro series is among the best we recommend at ARTMiE to anyone who is serious about painting.

From our blog

With da Vinci products, we always talk about handmade production and high quality. So what do their workshops look like? Come take a look with us...