How to fix a brush

[Brother_Ovis]

My favourite brush did something lots of brushes do after prolonged use - it started "spreading" hair around just after dipping it in paint. I live pretty far from any hobby store so for some time I was just making do with other brushes, but as I did I realized I need exactly this kind of brush. So I started wondering - is there any way to fix it? The exact problem is - after I wash it in warm water and make it into a nice tip it stays this way more or less even for days, long after it's dry - but just after I dip it in paint and try to start painting with it just opens up like an upside-down umbrella and instead of one nice tip it suddenly starts presenting several of them :P I've never used it for drybrushing or anything, just regular painting. So - is there some clever trick to restore it to working condition?

[Grand-Redemptor Ezkallon]

Has paint EVER dried on it? As far as I know (from what I've been told) once paint dries on it, even if you get it off, it is busted. It has happened to me and I had to buy a new brush. I have yet to find a way of fixing it, but your local arts and crafts shop should have some decent quality and relatively cheap brushes. ^_^

[chewielight]

You might be able to save it. I use an item called Masters brush cleaner and restorer. You can order it online or if your have a hobby lobby or michaels close by you can pick it up for about $6 bucks. Really any store that sells paint brushes will have it. Look it up on youtube as this stuff is AMAZING. no matter how clean you think your brushes are this stuff will show you otherwise.