Brush Care

Nfinity Arts by Fibonacci Brush Care

Upon Arrival

Before using your new brush for the first time, take the following steps to ensure your brush is ready to perform beautifully and reliably:

  • Remove the plastic guard around the bristles (not applicable for Sword or Fan Brush). Recycle that piece of plastic. Its only function is to protect the bristles during shipping. Trying to put it back on the brush later can result in damaged bristles, and no one wants that.
  • Rinse your new brush thoroughly under warm (not hot), running water to remove the protective coating from the bristles. I recommend you do this for at least one minute, but larger Round brushes may take additional time.
    • NOTE: Rinsing in your water cup will not sufficiently remove the product. Think about it: if you are covered in stuff, do you want a bath or a shower? Give these brushes a good shower before you start painting.
    • MORE NOTES: Point the bristles down so that the water flows over the bristles gently. NEVER point the bristles into the flow of the water. You do not want the flow of the water to go against the bristles and into the ferrule (the metal part). That could damage the shape of the brush.
  • Reshape the bristles. Use your fingers to reshape the point of the bristles for Round and Sword brushes.
  • Lay the brush flat to dry before you begin painting. This keeps the water from flowing into the ferrule and being absorbed by the wood handle.
  • Feel it. If the bristles still feel stiff to the touch, the protective coating is not completely out. Repeat the rinsing and drying process. When your brush no longer feels like a woman’s hair in 1992 (hairspray galore!), it is time to paint!
    • NOTE: If you find that your brush is not performing reliably – your paint is not flowing smoothly or your paint lines are “skipping” – please repeat the rinsing process and try again.

General Tips

  • NEVER soak your brush in a water cup. This can damage your bristle shape by allowing the bristles to rest against the bottom of the cup. Additionally, the handle will soak up water. Because the handle is wood, it will expand when soaked in water, which can damage the finish of the handle as well as the fit of the ferrule.
  • Always rinse your brush thoroughly after painting. It is not necessary to rinse it under running water each time you paint, but you may choose to do so occasionally.
  • Reshape the bristles before drying. To keep your brushes looking and performing their best for as long as possible, reshape the bristles with your fingers after you are finished painting and before you set them aside to dry.
  • Always lay flat to dry. Some people even choose to incline the handle of the brush slightly so that the bristles point downward. This helps the water flow away from the ferrule and handle, but this extra precaution is personal preference. If you choose to incline your brush handle, make sure that your bristles are not bent against the weight of the brush.
  • Store upright in a roomy container. This allows your brushes room to breathe in the unfortunate event that they are put away slightly damp.  You also do not want your bristles smashed together. Some people use a paintbrush stand/holder, but a cup or jar works fine. I use an old tea tin and it adds a lovely character to my desk! Just make sure your brushes have room to breathe.