How to Prepare New Nail Brushes

When you first receive your KB brushes, you may notice they feel stiff or have a subtle white dust coating. That’s not a defect - it’s Arabic gum, applied to protect the bristles during transit. But left intact, this can impact performance, cause staining, or cause the hairs to split. Here’s how to prepare your brushes the right way:

What Is That Residue?

The fine, white film on new brushes is Arabic gum - a starch based coating meant to maintain shape before use. But if not removed, it can affect performance and even compromise your products. 

Step 1: Unwrap & Tease the Bristles

• Remove the plastic sleeve from the brush - never replace it once the brush has contacted acrylic liquids, or the plastic may bond to the hairs.

• Use your fingertips (or an orangewood stick/cuticle pusher or Precision Perfector for tighter control) to gently tease apart the bristles, breaking up the dried gum. You’ll see fine residual dust - this is what you want to lift away.

• Continue until no dust remains. This is the only time you should ever touch the bristles - doing so post use risks contamination or over exposure.

Step 2: Inspect Under Light

After teasing, hold the brush up to a light source. If any residual dust is still visible, keep teasing until it completely clears.

Step 3: Prime According to Your Medium

Once clean, you need to prime the brush so it works smoothly with your chosen medium:

• Acrylic: Dip the clean brush into monomer; gently work it in until it’s absorbed. Remove excess with an absorbent, lint-free wipe.

• Gel: Use clear gel to prime. Stroke gently so the bristles darken and coat fully. Wipe off excess. Note: replace the brush lid immediately afterward - UV or sunlight exposure will cure gel on your brush.

• Acrylic paint / Watercolour: Simply prime with water or a baby wipe; some techs opt for a drop of cuticle oil or mild brush soap for extra lubrication.

Why This Prep Matters

• It prevents discolouration of your product and fraying of the bristles.

• Ensures fluent paint or gel flow and better control.

• Extends the lifespan and performance of your tools.

It’s essential you spend the time to prepare your nail brushes correctly and thoroughly before their first use - ensuring your brush lasts longer and you won’t experience any problems in the future.

Use a KB Pro Prep Brush to clean the nail plate or cuticles before application as it helps with debris removal and speeds up prep without damaging cuticle walls. 

Shop the Katie Barnes Brush Collection here.