I am sure this topic has been mentioned before. I have several paint brushes of various sizes. The all have synthetic bristles. How do you keep them from poofing out? I mean is how do you restore their shape?
I only have that problem with the largest/fattest ones, and I just resort to using them as dusters for the models. [:D] My thinner/smaller ones seem to dry nice and close. I also lay them on the utility kitchen porcelain side-tray to dry, so they flatten at least on the one side.
I would try wrapping them in a twisted bit of paper towel and see if that helps to keep them in shape. Gently squeeze them as dry as possible once they are very clean, and finally wrap them in a piece of clean cloth or paper towel, even a strip of J-Cloth or Shop Cloth, and that should keep them tight.
One other trick is to draw the handle through a smallish cutting of a plastic soda straw and leave the straw section mostly over the bristles, leaving just 1/4" or less showing to help the drying. The straw acts like a collar.
-Crandell
I know primarily from my experience with my other models that when I’m done with my brushes, I always gently twist the bristles back together after they are cleaned, then I stand them up in a cup and let them air dry. I’ve also done the other methods that Crandell has listed, which also work very well. Of course, if the brushes are just too far gone, either do as suggested and use them as dusters, or toss 'em.