Brush Discoloring Lather.

[BrianC]

Ok, I wanted to ask hear before going back to the brush maker again with an issue.

I purchased a custom brush from a B&B vendor about a month ago. WONDERFUL looking and feeling Silver Tip brush set with a 24/50 knot in a Desert Ironwood Burl handle.

I had an issue with the knot shedding horribly so they maker replaced the knot for me without a single issue. I got the brush back last night, gave it quick wash in some shampoo and conditioner then let it hang until later in the evening when I could shave.

Here is where it gets weird. I used Proraso Blue for my lather of choice but I noticed by the 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] pass that my lather was discolored. It was getting brown streaks in it and looked similar to a latte. I got rid of that batch and mixed up another. Again it had brown swirls in it from the brush. I trashed that lather and mixed up two more different “flavors” with the same results. By the time I got to last batch it wasn’t as bad but still had just a touch of it. I also noticed this morning that the brush is faded (color lightened up) pretty bad. I’m guessing some Old English might help this…???

Is this something that is common for the brush to discolor the lather? I’m guessing it’s from the varnish/stain used to color the brush.

 

[Gingerbread]

Did you wash the brush thoroughly before use?

 

[patten1969]

That's a new one on me. I've never heard of that or had that happen. Some boar knots are colored to look like badger, but other than that I don't know. I'd contact the vendor.

 

[branford]

New knots often produce an odd colored discharge with the first few latherings. I always assumed that it was chemicals from the manufacture/sterilization process simply being washed away. I had this will all my brushes without ill effect, although some brushes were far worse than others (e.g., VDH "luxury" badger). I would only be concerned if the problem persists or if you have any allergic reaction.

Good luck

 

[BrianC]

New knots often produce an odd colored discharge with the first few latherings. I always assumed that it was chemicals from the manufacture/sterilization process simply being washed away. I had this will all my brushes without ill effect, although some brushes were far worse than others (e.g., VDH "luxury" badger). I would only be concerned if the problem persists or if you have any allergic reaction.

Good luck

I went ahead and used it with no issue other than it changed the scent of the lather I was using. I'll shave again tomorrow and see what happens. I'll probably make up another test lather tonight to see if it happens again.

 

[strop]

Although you didn't say how the handle was finished, i doubt it's from that. I've had a couple of TGN knots that I had to wash thoroughly, i.e. several lathers, before they were completely clean. Sounds like that is what's going on here. I had no further problems after that. Give it a couple more washings and you should be good to go.

 

[Shave_Rat]

I've had a few brushes that "tinted" the first few batches of lather they made, then eventually stopped as whatever it was causing it washed out of them. It wasn't all just less expensive or "lower end" brushes either. I'd say that what you are seeing is normal based on my own observations (and the few other posts so far here as well). You can try washing the brush out with a gentle shampoo and good warm water a few times, that should help flush that stuff out.

 

[mastershake]

same here. my last brush from whipped dog did this. it got lighter with each use. and now i have used it maybe a dozen times and i dont think i see any in the lather now. but it was darker at first and then got lighter and lighter. nd i washed it up a few times and pre lathered it twice before use, it still had a color to the lather. not really brown but more of a greyish brown color. interestingly the knot had almost no odor at all to it when i got it and unwrapped it either.

 

[Danricgro]

I've had a few brushes that "tinted" the first few batches of lather they made, then eventually stopped as whatever it was causing it washed out of them. It wasn't all just less expensive or "lower end" brushes either. I'd say that what you are seeing is normal based on my own observations (and the few other posts so far here as well). You can try washing the brush out with a gentle shampoo and good warm water a few times, that should help flush that stuff out.

+1 my Simpson Chubby 2 in best did this for the first few lathers. It'll go away.

 

[u2u]

I was in a local shave shop earlier this week speaking with the owner who seemed very knowledgeable. He related to me that some dyed boar brushes, made to appear badger like, suffer this issue. His preference was to get brushes that had not been dyed. I have about 18 brushes in my rotation and never experienced this issue. If I did, it better be because I bought a cheap brush knowing it was dyed. Otherwise I would feel someone was trying to make an inferior product appear better and probably overcharged me accordingly. I would not accept this as normal and would be speaking with the vendor. Hope you find a happy end point with your brush.

 

[tomcj2]

I have had several knots that have done the same. They are just dirty. After a few lathers it goes away.

 

[BrianC]

Shaved with "da Fat" last night and while the brush didn't discolor anything, it is making the lather smell funny. I'll use it again tonight when SWMBO shaves and see if it smells with the TOBS coconut she likes.

 

[mastershake]

did you spray it with something like lysol or clean it with oxy clean? that may help get rid of the remaining odor.

 

[BrianC]

did you spray it with something like lysol or clean it with oxy clean? that may help get rid of the remaining odor.

I did not. I've washed in shampoo and conditioner and that's it. I used it again last night with Proraso Blue and got some mild discoloration along with just a hint of foul odor. I guess I will just keep using it and see what happens.

 

[branford]

I did not. I've washed in shampoo and conditioner and that's it. I used it again last night with Proraso Blue and got some mild discoloration along with just a hint of foul odor. I guess I will just keep using it and see what happens.

I think you just happened to purchase a very stinky/dirty knot. Other than aesthetics, it should cause you no problems. Keep the faith, your issues will continue to gradually disappear in the next week or two.

 

[eth]

New knots often produce an odd colored discharge with the first few latherings. I always assumed that it was chemicals from the manufacture/sterilization process simply being washed away. I had this will all my brushes without ill effect, although some brushes were far worse than others (e.g., VDH "luxury" badger). I would only be concerned if the problem persists or if you have any allergic reaction.

Good luck

This is it, leftovers from the knot manufacturing process. I can't remember how my Mühle silvertip knot did on this one, but my Vulfix 2189 was very noticeable. I did ten cycles of ten-minute soak, then completely dry the brush, before the Vulfix stopped discoloring the soak water.

 

[BrianC]

I used it last night for SWMBO with some TOBS Coconut. It didn't seem to color the lather but still had some funk to it. It's getting better for sure.

 

[The Dean]

I read this post, and the replies, and have to wonder why so many here recommend "Just use it!" when someone asks what to do with a brand new brush. I wouldn't want those chemicals and coloring on my face, that's for sure. How long does it take to properly prep a brush? 30 minutes, maybe?

I understand many have used a new brush, straight out of the box, with no ill effects. But don't you think it more prudent to recommend (to a newbie) they give the thing at least a quick wash first?