My Brush top ten tips!

Just take a moment right now…and think…..do you know where your brush is?

As you close your eyes do you see it safe and sound or does it lie neglected. If you have ever had me in your class room you will know what I am like when it comes to brush care, Oh yes……I can get all hot and bothered when I see crimes against brushes, especially when I see bristles bound and gagged with chunks of dried acrylic.

This little guide is for you…… not to learn something new…. but to remind you of what you already know. If this list doesn’t apply to you and you deserve a gold star from me then pass it on to your students, or colleagues at work,

I give you my 10 commandments to treat your brush with respect, you never know it might just pay dividends later.

· Acrylic sticks to acrylic they are drawn together like ships in the night, so make sure that your brush doesn’t have a speck of acrylic on it, even during the application.

· Don’t touch your brush; the oil from your finger tips isn’t helpful.

· When applying your bead, make sure you have enough monomer in your bristles, it is no good starting your car journey without a full tank, think of the liquid as your fuel during application.

· Before you put the brush away, and at this stage it should be before your spread file dust all over it, make sure you clean it, with monomer, and leave enough monomer in the bristles to keep it conditioned. You are looking at repeating the same cleaning process when you re start your next acrylic application.

· If you find you have any product within the bristles don’t pick then out with tools or cut them with scissors, dissolve them in monomer first and then a brush cleaner if this doesn’t work.

· Your brush is the most important part of your kit; you will never be able to create a good set without a good brush. Invest in one which will make your job easier.

· Use the correct brush for the correct job. If you’re looking at producing a clean sharp smile line or delicate flowers it is better to use an oval brush with a point, rather than a flat or round end.

· Don’t be afraid to use the barrel of your brush the thickest part in the middle of the bristles, to press your acrylic out. The tip is too flexible, and the pressure is more evenly distributed through the barrel of your brush, also you will find it will make a more even application.

· When applying an acrylic bead, twist it off the brush, in other words twist the brush to leave a bead on the surface of the nail, remove any excess acrylic left on the bristles and then start pressing it out. Don’t wipe too much monomer from your brush; remember you need this as fuel.

· If you find that the acrylic is too sticky, your brush has either acrylic on it or it is too wet. Dab it a little on your bed roll.