How to care for your brushes

1. Clean After Every Use

  • Rinse the brush gently with clean, lukewarm water immediately after use.
  • After rinsing, wrap the brush tip in a kitchen towel and gently press to remove excess water from the bristles.
  • Make sure there is no ink or paint residue left in the brush — leftover material can harden, cause clumping, and even lead to broken or damaged hairs, seriously affecting performance.
  • Avoid using hot water, which may damage the hair or loosen the glue inside.
  • Do not use soap or detergent — water is sufficient.

2. Shape the Brush

  • After cleaning, gently reshape the tip with your fingers to restore its original point. 
  • Always store the brush with the tip facing down (on a hanging rack) to prevent water from seeping into the base, which could loosen the hairs. If a hanging rack is not available, lay the brush horizontally on a brush rest to keep the tip elevated and maintain its shape.

3. Dry Properly

  • Allow the brush to air dry naturally, preferably in a well-ventilated area.
  • Avoid drying it near direct sunlight, heaters, or hairdryers, as excessive heat can damage the hair.

4. Store Correctly

  • Ideally, when fully dry, store the brush in a brush case or roll, or keep it hanging.
  • Never store it while it is still damp — this may lead to mould or deformation.

5. Understand Natural Wear and Brush Shape

  • Please note that natural wear will occur with regular use. The lifespan of a brush depends on how frequently it is used and how well it is cared for.
  • With proper maintenance, a good quality brush can typically last 1 to 2 years.
  • After cleaning and air-drying, it is normal for the brush tip to lose its original sharp point when dry. This is because the stiffening glue used during manufacturing (to hold the pointed shape) has been washed away during the initial preparation.
  • Do not worry — when dipped in water or ink again, the brush tip will naturally return to a sharp point. This does not indicate any damage to the brush.

6. Only Use Ink or Watercolour with Chinese Brushes

  • Chinese brushes are designed specifically for traditional ink and water-based media, such as Chinese ink (墨汁) and watercolour.
  • Using acrylic, oil, or other synthetic paints (such as acrylics or vinyl-based paints) will permanently damage the brush, making it unusable.
  • The brush hairs will harden, clump, or lose their shape entirely due to the chemical content of these materials.

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