Hi folks,
I am very much a beginner but I love watercolour art. I am trying to buy the best equiptment I can afford eg paper, paint and brushes and was wondering what is the best way to care for my brushes. I have just bought some SAA Kolinsky brushes, do I lay them flat to dry etc ?
Thanks

Hi Nighthawk1! Firstly, congratulations on purchasing a wonderful set of Watercolour Brushes! I find that the best way to treat these superior quality brushes is to firstly, when you have finished your painting session, clean them thoroughly in clean water, then carefully rub a little mild soap into the bristles and then thoroughly rinse out again with clean water.
After you've done this, dip the bristles into clean water and then lift the brush out, and this way the brush will retain its fine tip.
If you can't support them by the shaft so that the bristles hang down perpendicularly, then carefully lay them seperately until they're dry.
They can be then stored in a suitable brush case, ensuring that the case has sufficient room so that the bristles are allowed to keep their fine shape.
These brushes will serve you well for many years if you treat them well.

Good luck and very best wishes,

Steve Williams
PA & RSC Wigan area

Couldn't have put it better myself. treat your equipment with respect and it will serve you well. Just a small note if you forget the above advice one day... If you have a brush that has been left standing in water and is now curved over and doesn't seen to want to spring back, clean it well, and then lather some brush soap into it. Leaving the soap in, wrap a piece of tissue paper around the end of the brush and twist it back into shape. Allow the whole thing to dry. You will then be able to wash the soap out and the brush should be restored to full glory. This is an old school teachers trick, but it works well.

Denise Allen
PA, Hertfordshire

Hi Denise, Thank you for that brilliant tip! I'll make sure I remember that one.

Very best wishes,

Steve