Every paint shop should be supplied with a brush keeper, which is a receptacle into which brushes may be so suspended that their bristles are immersed while their points are not allowed to come in contact with the bottom of the vessel. The liquid in the brush keeper may be raw linseed oil, thin varnish, kerosene or water. In no case must the bristles be immersed above the binding. Flat brushes in which the bristles have loosened, may be tightened by being squeezed in a vice where the wire fastening squeezes the bristles. New brushes should be kept in a cool, damp place before use, as both the bristles and wood will shrink in a warm, dry atmosphere. Brushes should be cleaned before being used. Work out the dust and loose hairs by whirling the brush back and forth through the hands. When free from loose hairs, dip the brush in water a few minutes, shake out the water, and, when dry, it is ready for use.

Remember that twisted bristles and misshapen ends cause the paint or varnish to cover poorly and will deface the surface with brush marks.

Brush marks are frequently the result of poorly applied under coatings. Each coat requires particular care and the surface must be properly prepared before you begin. If the paint or filler is too heavy, brush marks and imperfections are almost certain to show. Better have the under coats somewhat thin, therefore, that they may flow out or be brushed out smoothly.

Varnish should not be rubbed smooth, but should be allowed to flow out. Use the brush enough to make it even and to prevent it running or sagging. If too thick, thin your varnish with turpentine.

Care Of Paint Brushes

The bristles of a brush frequently come out because the brush is not used in the kind of liquid it is intended for. For distemper colors and all water paints, use a shellac or cement set brush. For oil paints and varnishes, glue and cement set brushes are best; while for shellacs and spirit varnishes, cement or glue set brushes can be also used. No brush should be placed in lime, alkaline, or acid solutions to the extent of allowing such substances to attack the composition used to hold the bristles in place, nor should a brush be allowed to be immersed in water up to the butt for any length of time.

How To Clean Paint Brushes

Suspend the brush in a vessel containing a solution of 1 part washing soda, dissolved in 3 parts water. Do not immerse the butt of the brush in the solution. Allow to remain in the solution several hours. The paint will become so soft as to be readily washed out with soap and water, no matter how hard it has become.

Kerosene oil is an excellent medium in which to clean brushes which have been used in paint, or varnish. Also to keep brushes soft, immerse the bristles in this liquid. The bristles will remain soft and pliable, whereas, benzine used for the same purpose tends to make them harsh.