PNS Brush Gel Straight No.8

Preparing, maintaining & storing gel brushes:

For gel brushes, the process is exactly the same as removing gum arabic, as mentioned above. Gel brushes are often thinner, making it easier to remove the gum. Additionally, there's no need to dip the gel brush in liquid.

It's very important to clean gel brushes thoroughly before use. In terms of maintenance, gel and nail art brushes are much easier than acrylic brushes. 'But it's also important to store these brushes properly. When you want to put a gel brush away, always use a transparent gel/base coat as a final step to keep the bristles neatly together. If you do want to clean a gel brush with a liquid, use cleanser on a wipe.

But what's the best way to store gel brushes? Always store gel brushes without a plastic cap and out of direct sunlight. 'Sunlight is also UV light, and this can cure your brushes.' Even when the sun isn't shining. Therefore, store brushes in a dark place or in a storage case.

Removing colour from a gel brush

Do you find it difficult to properly remove colours from your brushes? You can often remove the excess colour, but pigments still remain in the brush. Use some transparent gel on a mixing palette and then push the transparent gel through the bristles from one side. This way, you can push the colour out. Gently wipe the colour pigments onto a wipe and repeat this about two to three times.' It's difficult to remove the pigments completely. Therefore, use multiple brushes: one brush for lighter colours and one for darker colours.

It's also handy to keep a separate brush for glitter. 'Throughout your career, you'll accumulate brushes. When you want to work with glitter, use an old brush.'

You can also use brush cleaner to clean brushes. 'BUT this dries out the bristles. All liquids dry out the brush. Don't be fooled into thinking you need special liquids to clean your brushes. This only dries out the natural bristles.' On average, your brushes can last about 6 months to a year if you work with them every day. 'But you need to handle them carefully if you want them to last a long time.'