How to Care for Your Nail Art Brushes

Your brushes are the most important tools in your nail kit and with the right care, they’ll reward you with flawless application and a longer lifespan. Caring for your brushes properly isn’t just about keeping them looking neat – it’s about protecting your investment, maintaining performance, and avoiding costly replacements.

Here’s our guide to looking after your nail art brushes:

1. Use Different Brushes for Different Mediums

One of the most common mistakes techs make is using the same brush across gels, acrylics, watercolours, and paints. Keep brushes separate brushes for each medium as this avoids product contamination and ensures bristles stay conditioned for their specific use.

2. Clean Immediately After Use

Never leave product sitting on your brush. Residue can cause bristles to harden, split, or permanently lose their shape. Wipe away product straight after use with a lint free wipe and the appropriate cleanser for your medium.

3. Avoid Acetone

Acetone is a brush killer. While it may seem like a quick fix for stubborn residue, it strips bristles, damages the ferrule, and drastically shortens the lifespan of your brushes. Instead, clean with monomer (for acrylic), clear gel (for gel brushes), or water/baby wipes (for paints).

4. Never Soak Brushes

Soaking brushes in liquid might seem like a way to “deep clean,” but it allows product and liquid to seep into the ferrule (the metal part), which causes swelling, loosening, and bristle shedding. Always clean quickly and efficiently – never soak.

5. Store Correctly

Proper storage makes all the difference.

Always store brushes facing downwards in a case or holder, so liquid drains away from the ferrule.

• Keep them away from UV light and sunlight – especially gel brushes, as UV exposure can cure product in the bristles.
• Use protective lids or cases, but only once brushes are clean and dry.

6. Remove Arabic Gum Residue Before Use

New brushes often come with Arabic gum to hold their shape. This must be thoroughly removed before the first use, otherwise it can damage both the brush and your product. Gently tease it out, then prime with the correct medium.

7. Respect Your Brushes

The golden rule: only touch the bristles when prepping them for the very first time. After that, treat them with respect – no picking, tugging, or using them for jobs they weren’t designed for.

Why Brush Care Matters

By following these simple habits, you’ll:

• Extend the lifespan of your brushes
• Achieve smoother, streak-free application
• Avoid contamination between products
• Save money on constant replacements

Your brushes are an extension of your artistry. Look after them, and they’ll look after you.

With the Katie Barnes Nail Art Brush Collection, proper care means your brushes will stay in perfect condition for every line, swirl, overlay, and french smile line.