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Looking for some advice in regards to storing brushes.

Currently all my brushes that have a secure fitting cap are stored tip down (I learned that having them tip up is a big no no). However what do you do for brushes that either don't have a secure cap or in some cases just dont come with one (I'm looking at you GW basing brushes)? Currently I've got them lying horizontal which is probably the best I can do currently.

Also as an aside for cleaning I have Masters Brush soap which is a god send, its saved a few brushes already, but is it worth maybe having 2 tubs of it? My current one is all kind of funky due to paint drying in it. Would a second tub for using when brushes are clean, so that the soap can preserve the brushes when not in use, be a good idea or not?

Thanks for any advice provided.

Someone on the Reaper forums tried horizontal vs. tip-up, and found horizontal is fine. But you can try using a coffee-stirrer to make tips. The cheap synthetic brushes on Amazon also have tips. I use cheaps for metals.

I'm too lazy for Masters and use Pink Soap for the high-end brushes, and shampoo with conditioner for other brushes. Dip the brush in the soap after use, without rinsing.

You can also add a little soap (like a drop) to your brush rinse water, as well as use two rinse cups.

Sounds like you're doing the right things, though.

Why shouldn’t I store them tip up? That’s how they are displayed in the arts store???

Also green stuff world brush cleaner is really good

The accepted wisdom is tip-up encourages any leftover paint to flow down into the ferrule, where it can harden as it dries and cause tip fraying.

mrFickle wrote:Why shouldn’t I store them tip up? That’s how they are displayed in the arts store???

The ones in the art store are dry and havent been used. Once fully dry, you can store them any way up you please.

Vejut wrote:The accepted wisdom is tip-up encourages any leftover paint to flow down into the ferrule, where it can harden as it dries and cause tip fraying.

Thats gravity and wicking for you.

 Sofine_Valtine wrote:

Also as an aside for cleaning I have Masters Brush soap which is a god send, its saved a few brushes already, but is it worth maybe having 2 tubs of it? My current one is all kind of funky due to paint drying in it. Would a second tub for using when brushes are clean, so that the soap can preserve the brushes when not in use, be a good idea or not?

Thanks for any advice provided.

Just wipe the crud off the top of it

I don't use any kind of soap (or shampoo / conditioner - seriously? Is this a thing?). I just rinse in water and wipe on a rag.

Am I a heathen?

 Whittlesey40k wrote:
I don't use any kind of soap (or shampoo / conditioner - seriously? Is this a thing?). I just rinse in water and wipe on a rag.

Am I a heathen?

Natural brushes are hair, so why wouldn't one shampoo and condition their brushes to get out the dried paint and extend their life?

https://www.generalpencil.com/store/c52/themastersbrushcleaner

> I don't use any kind of soap (or shampoo / conditioner - seriously? Is this a thing?). I just rinse in water and wipe on a rag.
> Am I a heathen?

Well, if you're happy with how you're painting, does it matter?

I'm too lazy for Master's, so I tried Pink Soap. Rinsce then dip the brush in it after your done, and let dry. Didn't notice anything. With CoVid making it harder to buy niche stuff, I figure I'll switch to Pert, since each bottle has a ridiculous amount of shampoo in it.

I think I mentioned my rinse water has dish soap and Pink soap, so I mebbe that helps. Since I soak my miniatures in water and dish soap, I just reuse this water for rinsing.

Whatever gets you to paint is the right way, imo.

 Whittlesey40k wrote:
I don't use any kind of soap (or shampoo / conditioner - seriously? Is this a thing?). I just rinse in water and wipe on a rag.

Am I a heathen?

Are you just very good at controlling where the paint goes on your brush? For me brush soap is a god send otherwise I’d be spending a fortune on new brushes