To store watercolor brushes correctly, focus on keeping them in a dry environment and away from damaging conditions like dampness, direct light, and heat.
Key Principles for Storing Watercolor Brushes
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the shape and longevity of your watercolor brushes. The primary goal is to protect the delicate bristles and the handle from damage caused by moisture, heat, or improper handling when not in use. Based on expert advice, specific environmental factors must be considered.
Where to Store Your Brushes
- Choose a Dry Place: Always store your brushes in a location that is dry. This is the most critical factor to prevent common issues like mould and mildew from developing on the bristles or handle.
- Allow for Air Circulation: It's important not to shut brushes away tightly in confined spaces where moisture can get trapped.
Places to Avoid for Storage
Certain locations and conditions can severely damage your brushes. Avoid storing them:
- In Drawers: Do not shut your brushes up in a drawer. Even slight dampness within a drawer can create an environment where mould and mildew can easily grow, causing damage to the brush fibers and handle.
- In Direct Sunlight: Keep brushes away from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure can dry out the natural materials and glue in the brush, leading to the bristles becoming stiff and potentially misshapen.
- Near Heat Sources: Avoid storing brushes near heat sources, such as a radiator. Like sunlight, excessive heat can dry out the brush materials, causing the bristles to lose their flexibility and shape, becoming stiff and misshapen.
By following these guidelines, you help preserve the performance and lifespan of your valuable watercolor brushes.
Summary of Watercolor Brush Storage Tips
Here is a quick reference based on recommended practices:
| Action | Location/Condition | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Do: Store brushes in... | A dry place | Prevents mould and mildew |
| Don't: Store brushes... | Shut up in a drawer | Slight dampness can cause mould and mildew |
| Don't: Store brushes... | In direct sunlight | Causes bristles to become stiff & misshapen |
| Don't: Store brushes... | Near heat sources (e.g., radiator) | Causes bristles to become stiff & misshapen |
