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I have had an issue for some time now with all my brushes' bristles curling and in some cases splaying at the tip, making it impossible to paint neatly. this only occurs after a couple of uses but other than possibly my technique, I can't figure out why it happens. I store my brushes upright and never leave them in water resting on their bristles.

Can anyone tell me (1) why this happens and (2) how, if indeed it's possible, can I avoid/postpone this?

Thanks for any advice

There are several things that could be happening here, one is related to the brush, the other to your painting style.

First, cheap brushes tend to wear out faster and loose their shape faster then a quality brush. If you cheaped out on brusshes this could be whats causeing your problem.

Secondly, when you paint with the prush, do you pull the along the model or do you push the brush into your model. The same thing happens when cleaning your brush or removeing extra paint. You never want to push your prush into anything, you always want to pull it across.

You can ususually salavge a brush if it isnt to badly damaged. I recommend masters brush cleaner personally. Use it to clean the brush and use it to reshape the brush.

To stop the curling try this if you have the plastic protectors.

Place the brushes bristles facing the ground with the covers in place, that way any water still on the brushes will slide down the bristle and drop off without them curling.

I have to admit, I am guilty of both buying cheap brushes and pushing them up to edges etc. (although I'm always happy with my results I am a very impatient painter )

Thanks for the advice guys.

I recommend Windsor and Newton Series 7 brushes, they are fantastic!

I have to say I bought a GW brush recently and it's already losing its tip. Was your brush a recent GW purchase? You don't always get what you pay for!