Hi all,

I'm new here, and new to decorating. I recently made a cake with gum paste leaves (see my photos) and I painted them using powdered colors (crystal colors) and the brushes began to shed all over after a few leaves. Later, I experimented with gel colors mixed with alcohol, and the shedding was even worse then because the wet bristles stuck to everything.

Is that normal? Is there a brand that won't shed like this? It's gross and annoying.

I use professional artists brushes, not the cheap ones. I get mine from Michael's. If they're in the open (not packaged), give them a slight tug. This will tell you if they're secure in the holder. I don't do a lot of food painting, but I haven't had any problems at all.

Someone else may have more info.

Good quality brushes are a must.
This doesn't mean expensive - just shop for value.

Cheep brushes use cheep materials - that's why the hair is falling out of the ferrule.

For dusting, soft natural fibers work well.
For painting, synthetic fibers are a good choice.

Old brushes will eventually start shedding. How fast this happens depends on the make of the brush and how it has been cared for.