The service life of a porcelain brush is influenced by many factors, it is therefore not exactly possible to predict how long it will last. Each laboratory has their own individual working methods and cares for their brushes differently, for example:

• one size brush is used for all applications (e.g. Big Brush Technique)
• the brush is used as an instrument (e.g. Cut-back or surface smoothing)
• a different brush, size or instrument is used according to the type of application
• on a glass plate
• on a porous porcelain mixing tray

Irrespective of this, there are some great tips to increase the service life of your brush and conserve its quality.

The brush head is treated with a protective paste application made from gum arabic (a neutral and natural binding agent) so

that it may arrive at the end user in a good state. In addition to this, the most delicate part is protected with a plastic covering.

• Please remove the protective plastic covering carefully. In this treated condition the brush tip is at its most sensitive

  to damage (i.e. bumps against the water glass). (Fig. 1)

• Wave the brush body carefully back and forth in a water glass for 15 – 20 sec. (Fig. 2)

• The binding agent within the brush tip will dissolve optimally if you take the thicker area, just above the collar, between thumb and finger and slowly pull through to the tip. (Fig. 3)

• The last residues of the binding agent will dissolve by vigorously stirring the brush in a glass of water.

2. Application

Please do not use the porcelain brush to mix porcelain powders together. (Fig. 4)

The microcrystalline constituents in the porcelain are abrasive and can cause premature and permanent damage to the hair structure.

An accurately formed tip is the most valuable attribute of a brush - but at the same time, this is also its most delicate

part.

For this reason, you should never use the tip of the brush to move small portions of porcelain across the mixing tray. This could cause the finely pointed hairs to bend and break. (Fig. 5)

To prevent this from happening, the brush should be dipped directly into the soft porcelain mass or the portions should be

taken using the side of the brush. (Fig. 6)

Dry porcelain should also never be remoistened or re-mixed using the brush.*

In order to avoid metal attrition, we recommend using an agate spatula (Art. no. 1157-0000). (Fig. 7)

*A metal instrument is also unsuitable.

After every application the brush hair should be cleaned by rinsing thoroughly in a glass of clean water. Fine porcelain particles, which so often become deposited between the fine hairs, can cause the hairs to spread apart and must therefore be removed. (Fig. 8)

Allow excess moisture within the brush to be absorbed by a soft sponge, or shake the brush thoroughly. Then lightly twist the brush tip in a moist towel or sponge to encourage the tip to return to its original shape (Fig. 9).

One small drop of Proform 12 (Art. no. 1462-0000) will stabilisethis shape, especially in the tip, and can be simply rinsed out before it is used next (Fig. 10).

Replace the protective plastic covering – finished. One particular type of after care we would like to recommend is the regular use ofcurd soap. This soap has lipid replenishing qualities which help keep natural hair, bristles and synthetic fibres elastic and smooth.

Carefully wash the brush head in warm water until the soap begins to bubble slightly, then shape the hairs back into their original form. A little droplet of Proform 12 will additionally enhance the brush hair (Fig. 11).

Warning:

Never use a degreasing soap– natural hairs in particular tend to break if their natural protective lipid layer is removed. Brushes which are not cleaned on a regular basis show a poor “end” after only a short period of time. This means the brush hairs spread out because ceramic residues are blocked within the brush body. However, in most cases it is still possible to repair a “broken” brush. Using wet fingers massage a little curd soap carefully into the hairs. Then wash the brush in hot water (approx. 70 – 90°C), reform the brush tip in the usual manner and “strengthen“ using Proform 12.