Save your brushes from common mistakes
Even a great brush won't last if it's used or stored badly. Avoid these common mistakes and your brushes will keep their shape and serve you for years.
1. Letting paint dry in the brush
The number one brush killer. Dried paint near the ferrule splays the bristles permanently. Always clean brushes right after painting.
2. Leaving brushes standing in water
Resting a brush on its bristles in a jar bends and splays them for good. Lay brushes flat or hang them tip-down instead.
3. Pushing paint into the ferrule
Jamming the brush down so paint creeps into the metal ferrule loosens the glue and ruins the shape. Load paint on the belly of the bristles, not the base.
4. Using one brush for everything
A single tiny brush for a whole painting makes work slow and uneven. Match the brush size and shape to the task.
5. Using watercolour brushes for thick acrylic
Soft watercolour brushes aren't built for heavy acrylic and harsh scrubbing. Use firmer synthetics for acrylics to protect your delicate brushes.
6. Scrubbing too hard when cleaning
Aggressively scrubbing bristles damages them. Clean gently with mild soap and lukewarm water, working from base to tip.
7. Storing brushes wet or tip-up
Storing a wet brush tip-up lets water seep into the ferrule and rot the handle. Dry fully, then store flat or bristles-up in a jar.
Good habits, longer life
Clean promptly, dry properly, reshape the point, and store with care. These simple habits keep even modestly priced brushes performing like new.
Find quality brushes worth looking after at calveradistrict.shop — free delivery across India, with 7-day returns.