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So I've been doing wargaming for almost a year now, resuming the hobby after ten years or so of break (used to play WFB- now that it's dead, my primary game is 40k), and through the internet and my local club, I've learned a lot about painting that I was clueless about back in the day.

However, one thing remains consistent. Whether I use GW brushes (specifically medium layer/detail brushes) or another brand (I use Dekorima fine brushes for particularly small highlights, IDK if that brand is sold outside Sweden or not), they tend to wear out pretty quickly. Of course cleaning and washing off your brushes is important, but even that considered it feels like they wear out pretty quickly.

So I wanted to ask, does anybody know either of some qualitative alternative brands of brushes I could use, or some useful tips on extending the longevity of one's brushes?

I use Winsor and Newton Series 7 with Masters Brush Cleaner. I used to find similar things with cheaper brushes wearing out/splaying very quickly but since switching to W&N and Masters, I have been using the same brush for over 3 years now.

+1 to Master Brush Cleaner. This is the ultimate solution to keep you brushes fit. I don't have any problems with my GW brushes wearing off, both the new and old once. The brushes I am satisfied with apart of GW are:

- Army painter regimental brush - all other Army Painter has proven to be utter crap, but this one is really good.
- W&N 7 - size 0, at first I hated it but now I start to get used to it. With little effort you can even edge highlight with it.
- Nevskaya Palitra - Size 2, amazing kolinsky sable brush that I don't know if can be find in Western Europe.

Honorable mention - Lifecolor medium brush. I cannot find a site that is selling them, but this one has proven to be a perfect working horse no matter how much you abuse it. Varnishesh, alcohol and etc.