Do you have a problem with keeping those soft hair brushes in shape? You've spent good money on a small sable brush and used it several times. Then next time you go to use it for that special little area an oil painting, you notice that the brush is flayed and the hairs are pointing in different directions.
At this point most people think the brush is useless or they use it for blending small areas. Not always necessary, a great little trick that helps to prolong the brush's life is to shape it again after use. Sure, you say, you do that all the time but it doesn't help much.
Clean the brush as normal
with a little turps and then lathery soap and water to thoroughly clean it of excess oil paint.
Shape the brush into a point, don't twist the hairs. Dip the brush into an eggcup of whole milk so that a film of milk is covering it.
Now lay the brush flat onto a table (never put it into a jar after washing) the tip should not be on the table but just over the edge so as not to distort the pointed shape.
The milk will dry and form a shroud that keeps the desired shape of the brush.
Let it dry off and then next time you use it, dip it in a little turpentine to remove the dried milk before use. The brush will be well shaped and more accurate.
