Shodo Daisuki Episode 4
Shodo Daisuki Episode 4
How to Prime a New Brush Correctly
Shodo Daisuki – Episode 04 Bring out your brush’s full potential. “Shimauchi” from Shodo Daisuki explains the correct way to prime a new brush!
Shodo Daisuki Episode 4 – Video Overview
Calligraphy lover Shimauchi explains in detail how to properly prime a brand-new brush.
When you buy a new brush, the hairs are often stiffened with sizing (nori) to protect the tip.
If you use it without fully removing this sizing, the brush can’t perform as designed and its lifespan will be shortened.
He candidly admits that in the past he sometimes used new brushes right away without removing the sizing completely because he was eager to write, but later realized this is bad for the brush. In this episode he shares the correct priming method.
In the demonstration, he shows how to gently remove the sizing using lukewarm water: first clearing the outer layer, then loosening from the tip toward the base, and finally rinsing under running water to remove sizing that has seeped deep toward the center.
Even after the sizing is removed, he recommends not inking and writing immediately; if possible, let the brush dry and then use it. This draws out the brush’s full potential.
He emphasizes that priming affects both feel and longevity, and stresses the importance of caring for tools so they last. He closes by inviting viewers who plan to try this to subscribe and give the video a like.
YouTube – Shodo Daisuki Episode 4
Shimauchi 00:00
Hi there, it’s Shimauchi, a big fan of calligraphy.
Are you enjoying calligraphy today?
I primed a new brush today, and it suited my hand better than I expected.
As a result, my writing looked a little neater than usual.
Shimauchi 00:18
It may be a small thing, but it made me really happy.
Fun, happy, joyful — that’s today.
When you get something new, do you check the brush’s condition?
Shimauchi 00:37
I’ve prepared two types of brushes here.
At most calligraphy shops, you’ll see a cap or a protective film used to prevent damage to the hairs.
Shimauchi 00:51
With this large one, when I remove the film, there’s no sizing on the hairs — it’s already nicely “opened.”
You can ink this one and use it right away. The problem is this other one: once you remove the cap, the hairs are set hard with sizing.
Shimauchi 01:22
This is what’s called a tame-fude (sized brush).
Maybe you’ve felt the urge to use a new brush right away — just crack it open, then ink and write.
I did that too, back when I didn’t know any better.
Shimauchi 01:52
But that’s not good for the brush.
If you jump straight in and treat it roughly, then ink immediately, you’ll end up feeling you did the brush wrong.
Shimauchi 02:05
The hairs are set hard with sizing, so unless you remove it thoroughly, ink won’t ride the hairs evenly.
That’s bad for the hairs and keeps you from using the brush to its potential when actually writing.
Shimauchi 02:22
To prevent that, priming the brush properly is essential, though it’s easy to forget.
Today we’ll remove the sizing thoroughly as we prime the brush — please watch closely.
Shimauchi 02:55
In this ink well I have the usual lukewarm water, gentle on brush hairs.
The temperature feels comfortable to the touch.
I’ll dip the sized brush and begin.
Shimauchi 03:17
First I’ll remove the sizing on the outside.
Here we go.
You can feel the slickness — the sizing is definitely on there.
Shimauchi 03:44
Next I’ll loosen gradually from the tip.
As the outer layer loosens, you can see the tip opening up nicely.
With this large brush, I’ll continue all the way toward the base.
Shimauchi 04:31
As the sizing comes off, the water gets cloudy — that shows it’s dissolving.
The hairs are softening, but there’s still sizing deeper inside.
Shimauchi 04:51
I’ll keep working it to remove what’s inside as well.
The water clouds quickly, meaning the sizing is coming out.
I’ll also make use of the “priming stand” on the ink well to help.
Shimauchi 05:31
Some damaged or loose hairs will come out — that’s normal.
Don’t worry; the brush is becoming tidy and even.
Shimauchi 05:49
The sizing seems mostly gone, but that’s not quite enough.
Some will have seeped into the ferrule area, so I want to remove that too.
Shimauchi 06:03
For that, rinse thoroughly under running water.
It’s the same principle as with ink hardening at the base — you must wash it out.
Shimauchi 06:19
After rinsing clean, you might feel like inking and writing immediately — please hold back just a bit.
Ideally, use the brush dry, like a pre-opened brush.
Shimauchi 06:38
That way, the brush’s qualities can show fully — that’s best.
If you follow this priming method, you’ll bring out the brush’s maximum potential.
Shimauchi 07:08
You’ll think, “Wow, the brush moves beautifully today,” and have more fun writing.
Please remember this priming method — thank you!
Shimauchi 07:24
How was it?
It’s more important than you might expect.
Just like washing, priming at the start really changes a brush’s lifespan.
Shimauchi 07:40
To care for your tools and help your writing look better with a brush that suits you, please value proper priming.
If this video made you think, “I’ll try that,” I’d be grateful for a like and a channel subscribe.
Shimauchi 08:04
This was Shodo Daisuki. See you again soon!
About Related Products
Here are items featured in this video.
