I present my Modular Brush Holder, designed to solve a specific issue I find with paintbrushes; that I want to hold them closer to the brush head than they are usually designed for. My grip ends up on the metal ferrule, so this holder brings a generously wide grip further forward for improved control.

The holder is designed to be used with pretty much any small brush, from a 10/0 or 20/0, up to around a number 2. A Citadel black Small Base brush or the black Medium Layer brush can be used, while all the white Army Painter brushes, up to the Regiment brush can also be used.

The wooden handle of the paint brush needs to be removed, which can be done easily enough using a craft or utility knife, by cutting into the handle just behind the metal ferrule, then rolling the handle to get an even cut all round. A little trimming may be needed to make sure the remaining wood is flush with the ferrule and not protruding out from the ferrule, after the handle is removed.

The holder consists of three parts: the Grip, the Tail and the Insert. There is only one type of Tail part, while there are a couple of Grip versions: One round and the other with a triangular cross-section. The Insert is the fussy part, as every brush has a different sized ferrule. Each of the many Inserts has a different sized hole, so you will likely need to print a number of them off to find the right size. The slots on one end of the Insert should face the rear of the brush, as the hole has a subtle 2 degree taper. The right Insert should slip onto the ferrule from the front and slide down it, leaving 11mm of the ferrule front end exposed (see photo above). The Insert should then be installed into the Grip using the separate Tool part. It should be screwed all the way into the Grip until it hits the flange at the end. Then the cut-down brush can be installed and the Tail can be screwed in to secure everything together.

The Cap is made from five parts, of three different types: The Body, the Surround and the Arms; for which three are needed. The parts are intended to have an interference fit, so assembling the parts together may take some force. The Arms have an angled tab at one end. This is the end that should stick out and hook over a Brush Holder when installed. The three Cap Arms should be installed around the Cap Body, then pressed into the Cap Surround. Insert the Cap Tool between the Cap Arms, place the assembly, Tool part down, on a firm surface, then press on the Cap Surround until the Body and Surround are flush with each other. Remove the Tool and the cap is complete.