paint Brush Maintenance

...ok folks here's a question I need an answer to...

I recently purchased a fairly expensive 5/0 brush for putting some of the finer detail on my carvings, not sure if the brush is sable, but I am anal and keep my brushes clean using soapy water (for Acrylics only) . What I would like to have is a brush where all the bristles maintain its original fine point but after a little use, some of the bristles start going off on a tangent. Is there a treatment or a trick to keeping the bristles bundled to maintain the fine point?? :-/

Thanks.
Tony 8)

An artist friend of mine dips his finger tips in vegatable oil and then points the brush tip between his fingers. Then washes the brush tip before using on water based paints.

Al

..intersting stuff Al, I'll have to see if that works...

I think it was in an WCI article where I read that dipping the brush in retarder medium was the trick. As soon as I get the chance, will see if I can fiind it.

Took a painting class from a High School art instructor and he suggested using Vaseline to shape the tip of the brush. Then just gives it a little wash before using again. Said the vaseline would not bother the Acrylics.
Where oh where is Hi-Ho-Sliver, he is the painter, and a good one. He should have some good input.

Gene

Lard oil..you can get at any art store, dip, slightly shape the bristles with your hand and lay them flat in a flat plastic tub or somewhere the lard oil won't get on anything you don't want it on...I use a flat artists tupperware type tub with a lid....when you get ready to use it, wash it out...the problem with brushes..especially when used with acrylics and water, is that it takes the natural oil out of the bristles and pretty soon they look like a 'punk rocker'! the lard oil comes in about a 16 oz bottle and will last you probably 3 lifetimes!! Oh yes, the lard oil doesn't dry, so don't try to use it for something else!

O.K. found it ... The Summer 2001 issue of WCI 'Brush Basics Part II' by Lori Corbett.

'A brush is best cleaned with warm water and a cleaning solution or mild soap. Then load it with a retarder medium and reshape it before storing. Another trick is to clean the brush, pat it dry, and apply ordinary hair conditioner to it. Then wipe the brush back and forth on your hand until yhou can no longer see any excess conditioner. Once it is dryh, shape the brush and store it upright.'

Sounds like just about ANY mineral or vegetable or animal based oil will do the trick! *Don't think I'd try motor oil, or household oil though!

Dave can you use that lard oil in pasty crust, too?

Al

...thanks for all the cooking tips guys...I'll be sure to mix some of that lard oil in my next batch of cookies , should keep them soft and chewy!!!

...do you think Michael's would carry either of these products or should I go to a regular art store??

thanks again for all the suggestions!

Tony

I don't know that this lard oil can be used for anything else, but then I don't know that it can't either ??? *As for a lot of these others things, most dry and supposedly preserve the brush, I guess maybe they do...but I got very tired of standing there at the sink trying to wash that goop out of the brush and figure I am doing more harm to the brush with that, than just dipping in the lard oil! * anyway, as with everything else...is a matter of personal choice...lard oil happens to be mine.. (oops...sorry....I am sure Michaels will have a dozen different types of brush preservatives!)