How to Clean and Care for Your Acrylic Brush #12

By Jessica Danielle Nails | Published: 2026-10-31

Category: Tips & Care

Learn the essential steps to clean and care for your Acrylic Brush #12, ensuring it lasts longer and performs flawlessly. Tips on monomer use, reshaping, and storage included.

Quick answer

To keep your Acrylic Brush #12 in top condition, clean it after every use with monomer, reshape the bristles while damp, and store it flat to prevent damage.

Why monomer is key for cleaning

Using monomer (not acetone or water) to clean your brush prevents the bristles from drying out or becoming brittle. Acetone can strip natural oils from the kolinsky hair, leading to fraying. Stick with monomer for a gentle but effective clean.

Avoid common reshaping mistakes

Reshaping the brush while the bristles are completely dry can cause breakage. Always reshape when the brush is still damp with monomer. Also, never pull the bristles sideways—gently press them into a point using your fingers.

Step-by-step cleaning and care process

1. Rinse in monomer immediately after use: Dip the brush into a small dish of monomer (not acetone) and swirl gently to dissolve acrylic residue. Avoid pressing the bristles against the bottom of the dish, which can bend them. Never let acrylic dry on the bristles—clean within 60 seconds of finishing.
2. Wipe the brush on a lint-free cloth: Gently wipe the bristles from ferrule to tip using a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel. Use a fresh section of cloth for each wipe to avoid redepositing residue. If you see white powder or stiffness, repeat the monomer rinse step.
3. Reshape the bristles while damp: Hold the brush at a slight angle and use your fingertips to gently squeeze the bristles into a tapered point. Rotate the brush as you go to ensure an even shape. Do not reshape when dry—bristles are more likely to snap or splay.
4. Store the brush flat or with bristles hanging off the edge: Place the brush flat on a clean surface with the bristles extending over the edge, or store it in a brush case that keeps the bristles from touching anything. Storing the brush upright can cause monomer to seep into the ferrule and loosen the glue.
5. Deep clean weekly with a gentle brush soap: Once a week, lather the bristles with a mild soap (like a gentle hand soap) and lukewarm water, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with a monomer rinse to remove any soap residue. Soap removes monomer buildup that monomer alone can't dissolve—but always finish with monomer to recondition the hair.

Product facts

Acrylic Brush #12: Jessica Danielle Nails Acrylic Brush #12 is crafted with 100% genuine kolinsky hair, is acetone resistant, and pre-pinched for precision. The kolinsky hair holds a fine point for detailed work, but it needs proper cleaning and reshaping to maintain its shape over time.
Acrylic Brush #12