African Blackwood is one of the woods that looks so well after itself, it is simply saturated with oils, pieces that have been lying outside in my yard for 5 years and longer still gets oil bubbling on its surface if I work to hard or with a blunt tool where the friction is high. I honestly think one would never have to treat these brushes to preserve them, simply keep them away from severe conditions, I cannot see any treatment replacing its own oils, and a coating would be purely cosmetic. This brush is fitted with a fine knot, a mix of badger hair from the Finest two band and High mountain white classes, specifically made for us upon our request It weighs a chunky 92 grams, measures 120 mm tall, with the loft set at 60 mm.