

Hog bristle brushes are a good choice for flat oil brushes. Store them vertically so as not to damage the glue inside the ferrule that holds the brush together. Wash them until the water is clear, and always be sure to rinse and dry them thoroughly. Watercolor brushes need only be cleaned in water and a little soap. Sable is one of the most popular as it gives a fine, delicate line, while squirrel hair is better for larger brushes. Watercolor artists often choose to use natural hair brushes for their springiness and flow. In addition, synthetic fibers are easier to clean. Acrylic paint can be very hard on natural fibers, so many artists choose to use synthetic brushes for this medium. Many brushes designed for acrylic paints are made of synthetic hair, using polyester or nylon. Following these steps will keep your brushes in good condition for longer, though eventually, brushes will wear down and need to be replaced.Ī paintbrush is made of four sections: the bristles, ferrule, crimp and handle.īristles are the hairs of the brush, and they can be made of either natural or synthetic fibers.

Regardless of the type of paintbrush you’re using, they will all require the same basic care, which I have outlined for you below. I’ve also included some techniques and tips to fix frayed paint brushes that you should find helpful. I’ve outlined the basic methods for general and specific brush care below. If you’ve not been cleaning, drying, and storing your paint brushes correctly, or if you’ve been using the wrong brush type with specific painting methods, your paint brushes will most likely have fraying bristles.

Clean, dry brushes should also be appropriately stored to prevent any further damage. After your brushes have been correctly cleaned, they will need to be dried in a way that doesn’t bend or fray the bristles. However, even if you’re diligent about cleaning your brushes after using them, you still need to make sure that heat and chemicals don’t ruin your bristles. Hard, dried paint can be nearly impossible to remove, and harsh cleaning will result in damage. Leaving paint to dry on your brushes is a guaranteed way to ruin your paint bristles. In addition, some painting techniques will break the bristles down, and painting on rough surfaces will fray them faster. Regardless of the price of the brushes, all bristles which are improperly cared for will get damaged. These bristles can be either stiff or soft and have varying levels of quality. Paint brush bristles are made of various synthetic and natural materials.
