You can wash your brush in warm water with soap, dry it, then coat the bristles in more soap, use your fingers to form it into a point, and leave it overnight to dry (with the soap on). I've tried this with a slightly frayed brush, and it works for a bit.

1. #melaniebscreativestudio #DIYcrafts #paintbynumbers #PBN #paintbrushhack #paintbrushrestoreWHAT??? I've actually been able to keep my new brushes looking new.
2. Step 1 Repairing Paint Brush Bristles. Identify the brush type and the level of damage: If the brush hairs are inflexible due to hardened paint coats, proceed to Step 2. If the brush hairs are synthetic (fraying bristles), proceed to Step 5.

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Do you have some Tombow Dual Brush Pens that are frayed? I do too. BUT WAIT! Don’t throw them out! I’m going to share with you 3 ways you can use your frayed brush pens.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BRUSH PEN IS FRAYED?

If your brush pen is frayed, you will notice that your strokes won’t have clean edges. You’ll also notice that the tip of the pen can look “fuzzy.” But it’s okay! You can still use them for other fun projects.

Why do they fray? Fraying can be caused by holding the pen incorrectly. You should be holding your brush back at an angle. This allows the tip to move flexibly to achieve your thin and thick lines. Also, make sure you’re using the right paper. Smooth paper is the way to go! Regular printer paper is too rough and will cause your pens to fray. Read more about my tips for beginners here.

But have no fear! Your frayed pens can still be used! And here’s how!

WRAPPING PAPER & OTHER PAPER PROJECTS

We all know the cardinal rule: smooth paper is a must for brush pens. But when they are frayed they are perfect to use on other paper surfaces!

I love the look of the lines with a frayed pen! It’s perfect for this Star Wars themed wrapping paper. This design didn’t call for feminine, perfect lines, so the uneven edges works perfectly! Here I used plain white wrapping paper and a black Tombow brush pen.

With frayed pens you can break the smooth paper rule. Letter on wrapping paper, card stock cards, etc!

WATERCOLOR

Did you know Tombow Brush Pens make amazing watercolors?

The easiest way to use your frayed pens is as watercolor! Here’s what you’ll need:

– blending palette (some sort of plastic surface) – water brush/brush – brush pens

Rub the color onto the blending palette. Using a water brush or a wet brush, pick up the color from the palette and letter or paint. It’s super easy!

LETTERING ON WOOD

Your probably read that and thought what? Letter on wood? I can use brush pens on wood? Yes! And surprisingly, they work quite well on a smooth wood surface.

TIP: keep separate pens for different surfaces. Don’t use your pens on wood AND then on your nice smooth paper.

Here’s what you’ll need:

– smooth wood surface (here I’m using a wood sign from Michaels) – brush pens – blending palette/spray mister (if you want it do a watercolor background)

To create the watercolor background, rub the pens onto the blending palette. I recommend using 2 colors that will blend nicely together. Using the mini spray mister, spray water on the ink. Don’t add too much water or you’ll risk having the ink get runny and roll off the blending palette.

Turn over the blending palette and press onto the wood surface. Gently press down to adhere the watercolor. Don’t press too hard or the liquid will squeeze out the sides.

Using a pencil, sketch your design. Now, letter your design. You’ll be so surprised how nicely Tombow Brush Pens work on smooth wood! Use the bullet tip side to clean up the edges of your strokes.

TIP: depending on the type of wood you use, you may have some ink bleeding. It’s always a good idea to test first to see if that will happen.

So, there you have it! 3 ways to use your frayed brush pens. If you love these ideas and try them out, I’d love to see! Share your project on social media and tag me @ amandakammarada

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Happy Lettering,