Excessive soaking leads to floppy, unmanageable bristles or filaments, decimated epoxy settings, cracked lacquer and handles which shrink and work loose. Instead of soaking, clean your brush immediately according to directions. When using oil-base paints, clean thoroughly in solvent, kerosene or thinner, then comb and place back in the keeper. Pure bristle brushes are to be used exclusively in oil-base paints, which will not absorb into the bristle. Never soak in water.
Pure bristle is actually animal hair.
Ferrule nicks at the setting cause filaments to bend and twist, resulting in damage that can cause large chunks of brush to fall out. Use a brush designed to be used edgewise, or paint with the flat surface of a smaller brush. Never allow a brush to stand on its painting tip. After thorough cleaning, straighten bristles with a brush comb, then place the brush back in its keeper or wrap in paper. Next, hang the brush up or lay it on its side.