Brush Problem/Question

[The Madhatter]

After years of lusting after them, I finally picked up some of the vaunted Windsor & Newton Series 7 Miniature brushes! Things are not all well in Jockey Land though.
The brushes perform very well and are very controllable but they have a habit of collecing dingleberries! It's a small bit of paint that extends off the tip sort of like a bell on Santa's hat. It very detremental to detail work and I find I have to actually pull or chew them off. I've had this problem with cheap brushes (mostly nylon) in the past an dI usually pitched the brush. Does anyone have any advice? Do they need to be treated or broken in?

 

[kengar]

I wash/condition my brushes after use with a little Jergen's moisturizing soap. Also, it sounds like you might want to thin your paints a bit more. Clumping like that can be caused by thick paint. Another tip is to rinse out your brush frequently, even if you're working in the same color.

Hope this helps.

 

[nyrfherdr]

Kengars ideas are both great.

You want to make sure and use a mild soap to wash the brush after your session is done. (see Kengar's comment above. This is Very Important).
This is after rinsing all paint away. Water if you are using an Acrylic, Thinner if you are using an enamel.

Game ON!
Nyrfherdr

 

[The Madhatter]

double post

 

[The Madhatter]

I have the "Master's" brand brush soap that works pretty well for cleaning and conditioning. I just find it odd it only happens to the TWENTY FREAKING DOLLAR brushes and the reasonably priced citadel brushes work fine. I do try to thin my paint a bit with future floor polish. It works great and it maintains adhesion.

 

[nyrfherdr]

Madhatter,
It's possible that the glue used to hold the bristles on the brush actually spread out into the end of the brush itself making them 'sticky' or the bristles have been effected by another chemical.

I would consider contacting whoever you got them from to see if maybe there is a defect if you don't have the problem with other brushes.

Game ON!
Nyrf

 

[The Madhatter]

I cleaned them thoroughtly and it seems to have abated a bit. You could be right about a chemical. It may have been a preserver/shaper. Thank you all for your help.

 

[pogre]

I've never had this problem and they are practically the only brushes I paint with. Some of mine are 7-8 years old. I hope you did figure out the problem because these brushes are totally worth the money.

 

[The Madhatter]

Yes, I am now in the process of convincing my girlfriend I need more of them to round out my stable. I will tell her that I "know" someone who has used them for years! Any tips on care and maintenance?

 

[pogre]

Yes, I am now in the process of convincing my girlfriend I need more of them to round out my stable. I will tell her that I "know" someone who has used them for years! Any tips on care and maintenance?

I just rinse mine in a silicoil brush cleaning tank full of water and store them upright in a carousel.