Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers about ordering from Stationerie, our Kolkata store, our own brush manufacturing, shipping, returns and trade supply. If your question is not here, message us on WhatsApp at 98310 69152.

About Stationerie

Who is Stationerie?

Stationerie is an art materials business in Kolkata, India, trading for over 25 years and formerly known as R Kumar (Art and Craft). It is two things at once: a manufacturer of handmade artist paint brushes, and a retailer stocking around forty international and Indian art brands. More about us.

Where is the Stationerie store in Kolkata?

47/3 Gariahat Road, Ballygunge, Kolkata 700019. Open Monday to Saturday, 11:00 to 20:30. Phone 098310 62152. Walk in to see the brush range and the brands we stock. Kolkata store page.

Does Stationerie make its own brushes?

Yes. Stationerie brushes are made by hand in our own Kolkata workshop by a team of more than 60 artisan brushmakers, producing around 5 lakh brushes a month. Every brush carrying the Stationerie name is built here, not bought in and relabelled. How our brushes are made.

What else does Stationerie manufacture?

Dot handmade watercolour paper, our own line, made in 265gsm and 300gsm in A5, A4 and full sheet. Dot handmade paper.

Which brands does Stationerie stock?

Around forty, including Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, Golden, Schmincke, Daniel Smith, Sennelier, White Nights, Mijello Mission Gold, Arches, Fabriano, Canson, Saunders Waterford, Baohong, Escoda, Princeton, Camel and Camlin, Brustro, Mont Marte, Faber-Castell, Staedtler, Prismacolor, Caran d'Ache, Copic, Sakura, Koh-I-Noor, Conte a Paris, Cretacolor, Lyra, Pebeo, Jacquard and Essdee. Full brand list.

Ordering and delivery

Does Stationerie ship across India?

Yes. We ship to every state in India from our Kolkata base. Delivery across India.

Is shipping free?

Shipping is free across India on orders of Rs 999 and above. Below Rs 999 a standard shipping charge applies, calculated at checkout based on order value and delivery location.

How long does delivery take?

Orders are processed within 5 to 7 business days of order confirmation, excluding weekends and holidays. Once dispatched you receive tracking updates by WhatsApp, SMS and email. Couriers deliver between 9:00 and 21:00, seven days a week. Full shipping policy.

How does cash on delivery work?

Some products are drop-shipped from importers or manufacturers. On those items a COD order can take longer, because the goods reach our warehouse before they are dispatched to you. If something is needed urgently we may contact you to request full payment in advance so the supplier can dispatch direct. Shipping policy.

Can I cancel an order?

Cancellation is possible before dispatch. Once an order has shipped it cannot be cancelled, and if delivery is refused after dispatch the courier and return-to-origin charges are deducted from the refund. Cancellation policy.

What is the return policy?

Returns are accepted for a wrong item, a damaged item, or a partial or missing order, and must be raised within 1 day of delivery by WhatsApp on 9831069152 with your order ID. Damage and missing-item claims need an unboxing video with the shipping label visible. Products come back in original packaging with seals and barcodes intact, to 47/3 Gariahat Road, Kolkata 700019. We do not offer reverse pickup. Full return policy.

Are prices inclusive of GST?

Yes, prices shown on the site are GST-inclusive. For anything to do with GST invoicing on a business purchase, message us on WhatsApp at 98310 69152.

Trade, wholesale and OEM

Does Stationerie supply schools, colleges and studios in bulk?

Yes. We supply art materials in quantity to schools, colleges, art institutes, studios, workshop organisers and retailers, across our own brushes and the brands we stock. Wholesale and bulk orders, or WhatsApp +91 98310 69152.

Can Stationerie manufacture brushes under my own brand?

Yes. We manufacture artist brushes on an OEM and private-label basis for brands, retailers and distributors, from our Kolkata workshop. OEM and private label manufacturing.

Choosing materials

Which paint brush should a beginner buy?

Three brushes cover most work: a round about size 6 for general painting and detail, a flat around 1/2 inch for washes and blocking in, and a rigger or liner for lines and edges. Match the hair to the medium, since soft hair suits watercolour and stiffer hog or firm synthetic suits oil and acrylic. Which paint brush should you buy.

What is the difference between Kolinsky, squirrel and synthetic brushes?

Kolinsky sable holds a fine point and springs back, which suits controlled watercolour detail. Squirrel holds a lot of water with little spring, which suits large washes and mops. Modern synthetics imitate both and cost far less, with the better filaments coming close on point and snap. Full comparison.

What GSM of watercolour paper should I use?

300gsm is the working standard and takes wet washes without buckling. Lighter 200gsm and under needs stretching. The bigger difference is fibre: 100% cotton absorbs and lifts differently from cellulose or wood-pulp paper, and costs more for that reason. Watercolour paper guide.

How should I clean and store brushes?

A brush dies at the ferrule, not the tip. Wash out paint before it dries, never leave a brush standing in water, and dry it flat or hanging so water does not run into the ferrule and loosen the glue. Brush care guide.

Contact

How do I contact Stationerie?

WhatsApp 98310 69152 for orders, wholesale and returns. Store phone 098310 62152. Or visit 47/3 Gariahat Road, Ballygunge, Kolkata 700019, Monday to Saturday 11:00 to 20:30. Contact page.