Thread: Bent brush

I just picked up a brush from a yard sale that has the bristles hanging over to one side. Looks like this guy kept it laying on its side in the mug. Is there any way to straighten the bristles and get rid of the bent over look. Thanks, Mack

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.

Glad you asked the question mackie!

While I was visiting my mom for Thanksgiving, she pulled off the shelf her father's (my grandfather's) shaving mug and brush.

I was amazed that she kept them honestly, but if you knew my mom, you might not be too surprised (pack-rat hehe.)

I used the mug while I was there, but the brush had been sitting in the mug, on the bristles for so long they were "bent" like yours.

She told me I could have them, but I told her to hang on to them, so that when we come down to visit I will have a mug and brush that I can use, and not have to carry mine around

I never got to know her dad as he died before I was born, but it's nice to have something that he used, that I can also use. Heck, maybe he's looking down on me when I use them, happy that someone can share the use of something that was once his.

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.