Page 16 - The Decorative Painter Spring 2018

The Business of Decorative Painting
Greg and Kate Ingram Email: scharff@artbrush.com Website: www.artbrush.com
Prudy Vannier cda
Brushes – we can’t live without them. A good brush makes the difference between a so-so stroke and one that melts your heart. We are always on a quest for the perfect brush for commas, lines, blending, floating, and varnish- ing, to name just a few...you know what I’m talking about!
At a recent show, I had the opportunity to talk with Greg and Kate Ingram of the family-owned and operated Scharff Brush Company. I was amazed to learn how far brushes have come in qual- ity and functionality in just a few decades. It left me wondering how Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci ever accomplished their miracles in painting with the brushes they had available.
In 1968, Heinz Scharff was a developer of medi- cal devices. His wife was an oil painter. She com- plained to her husband about the kinds and quality of her brushes, and Heinz proceeded to investigate the developing and producing of better brushes for his wife and her painting friends. An entrepreneur, he readily recognized the need for better quality
in the American growing painting industry. He partnered with Ron Kettlehake, and Scharff Brush Company was born.
Ron and his wife Wyvonne were much-loved SDP business members and familiar faces at SDP and chapter trade shows. They are sorely missed but today, Scharff is owned and operated by Wyvonne’s son and his wife, Greg and Kate, who stepped in to continue the business and are welcome additions to our conventions. Their biggest markets are decora- tive painters and sign painters. They do 10 – 12 shows each year, although the greatest number of sales are through their website.
The original brush line was sable. All sizes were designated by different colored brush handles. Today there are several lines. Each is custom-made to Scharff specifications, and manufacturing is very closely monitored. The highest grade ferrules and hairs are used. Types of hair include hog, pony, squirrel, sable, goat, oxen, and synthetic. Greg em- phasizes that no animal is killed for Scharff brushes, but leftover hair is used from other industries. Prices are dictated by availability. For example, the sable (mink) hair is obtained from the discards from the garment manufacturers. If fewer people want mink coats, fewer animals are used – less available hair, resulting in the higher prices for sable brushes.
At the next decorative painting show, stop in to say hello to Greg and Kate and admire their line of fine brushes. Check out their website at www.artbrush.com. For questions, email them at scharff@artbrush.com.
14 The Decorative Painter • SPRING 2018
DECORATIVEPAINTERS.ORG
Scharff – A Brush Company