Basically, gum arabic acts like a setting gel for bristles, holding them in place as they dry. Once the gum arabic hardens, it helps the bristles retain their shape, preventing fraying and splaying. Rinse it out, and the bristles will keep their new shape! In the ~2 minute video below, I’ll walk you through how to do it. (Written instructions follow!) |
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Begin by finding all of your brushes that could use some TLC. (If you’re restoring one, you might as well restore them all!) Then, source a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Grab your gum arabic and a small bowl or cup. |
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Gentle shampoo is imperative for avoiding bristle damage and keeping your brushes supple and soft. Look for natural and/or baby shampoos.
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Add a dime-sized drop of shampoo to the bowl and use a paintbrush to gently mix it with about ½ cup of water. Then, swish each brush in the mixture to clean it. For extra-grimy brushes, apply a little shampoo directly to the bristles and lather them as you would your hair. |
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Next, either swish the brush off in a bowl of clean water or run it under the tap to remove all the shampoo. As you rinse off your brushes, lay them on a paper towel or a towel to absorb excess moisture. |
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After cleaning your brushes, dip one into your jar of gum arabic, ensuring the bristles are fully coated. If some gets on the metal ferrule, don’t worry—it will wash off easily later. |
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It’s okay if your paintbrush is still damp when you dip it into the gum arabic.
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Lift the brush out of the gum arabic and gently shape the bristles with your fingers. Think of it like styling hair—you’re using the gum arabic as a setting gel to keep everything in place. |
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As you shape your paintbrushes, place them in a cup to completely dry. |
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If you’re in a dry environment, your brushes will be ready in a few hours. In humid conditions, they’ll likely need to sit overnight.
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Now, gently swish each brush in clean water (1). Then, use your fingertips to gently encourage the gum arabic off (2). Dry the bristles in a paper towel or an absorbent cloth (3), and enjoy the fruit of your efforts (4)! |
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And that's it! Your paintbrushes are refreshed and ready for your next creative project. |
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I Hope You Enjoyed This Free Sample of TPK Premium Content! |
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Love creative hacks like this? You can find more tips and inspiration inside TPK Premium! The full post, Three Ways to Unlock the Power of Gum Arabic, includes step-by-step guides, exclusive video demos, and pro tips to take your calligraphy and ink mixing to the next level. |
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A little creativity every week goes a long way! With TPK Premium, you'll stay inspired with new tutorials, worksheets, and videos—regularly delivered straight to your inbox. |
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Coming Up: Mastering the Triangular Paintbrush
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The triangular paintbrush is an incredible tool that allows you to paint elegant loose florals using simple strokes. I have been excited to show you how to use this paintbrush for years! On Monday, TPK Premium members will receive a comprehensive triangular paintbrush tutorial in their inbox that includes video demonstrations, practice instructions, and plenty of helpful photos. |
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If you're interested in using the triangular paintbrush, you can grab one here - affiliate link. (I have both the MD and the XSM paintbrushes and happily use them both.) Then, sign up for your Premium membership to access the tutorial this Monday! Be sure to use the code PREMIUMSPRING to get 50% off your first month. |
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Thanks for reading! I’m so grateful to have you here, and I hope today’s tutorial brings a little extra creativity to your day. Happy painting, and enjoy your weekend! |
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Code PREMIUMSPRING expires Tuesday, March 25th. |
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