Thread: Bent brush

I don't know for sure, but unless it is the greatest brush ever you might just want to see about fitting it with a new knot. You can do it yourself if you would like, or there are several people who will put a new knot in an old brush for free or a few dollars plus return shipping.

Wow, that is great.
I was just wondering if there was any way to straighten one. I have seen a lot of them like that. This one is nothing special really.
Thanks, Mack

I have no idea about that. I think most older brushes are boar and since the majority of people on here use exclusively badger, I don't think the idea of straightening them really comes up...

I could be wrong though. I'm still new at all this.

It might be that they'll straighten out with use and not leaving the brush in cup. Basically they're hair and as such, I'd assume it returns to it's original form with use.

I have a synthetic brush that sometimes developed interesting fanning if left to cup, but it straightened out with swirling it in hot water and using it.

Here's a suggestion: Wash the brush in HOT (not boiling) water and shampoo. Let it soak for a while in the hot, shampoo water so the bristles soak up lots of water and soften. Rinse with more HOT water and cream rinse. Allow it to hang upside down (use a string around the handle if you dont have a brush stand) and see how it is when it dries. If this doesn't improve it enough, repeat the procedure and put a rubber band around the bottom of the knot while it is drying. You may even have to do it again with a second rubber band partway up the knot (where the bend is, or higher). Sounds like work, but you'll keep the old brush original, and I have had good luck with this technique.

Although these ideas will all probably work, I would just get hold of Tony at the Golden Nib (google is yer friend) and pick out a new Badger knot ...
From reading your posts you more than have the tools and the talent to change it out.. Then you have a nice new set of bristles that nobody else has used, for probably less then $20 shipped and your time...

OK here is what I did. I followed Pearlcasters directions and it helped but did not completely fix the problem so I got it hot with water and shook it out. Then I wrapped a piece of cardboard from a cereal box around the bristles and made it secure with tape. Then I ran hot water in the bristles. I let it drip dry and set it up to dry. It is much better now.

Originally Posted by Pearlcaster

Here's a suggestion: Wash the brush in HOT (not boiling) water and shampoo. Let it soak for a while in the hot, shampoo water so the bristles soak up lots of water and soften. Rinse with more HOT water and cream rinse. Allow it to hang upside down (use a string around the handle if you dont have a brush stand) and see how it is when it dries. If this doesn't improve it enough, repeat the procedure and put a rubber band around the bottom of the knot while it is drying. You may even have to do it again with a second rubber band partway up the knot (where the bend is, or higher). Sounds like work, but you'll keep the old brush original, and I have had good luck with this technique.

One variation of this is to work up a lather and just squeeze the lather out leaving enough lather on it over night to help it set a new shape. Let it hang and drip dry.

Or use some of that classic Italian hair goo that I recall from my childhood
that thunks when you tap it after it drys. Moose it into shape...

I would consider just using it and enjoy the shape as a quirk. I am
of the mind that the bend will not hurt it and with time I will find a
shape that reflects how you use it not how the last owner used it.

I know what you mean! I have been using one of my Dads brushes for a long time and I love it. I think of him every time I use it.