How to Choose Wenwan Walnut Brush for Beginners?

Introduction

Wenwan walnuts are beloved not only for their shape, texture, and natural patterns, but also for the subtle transformation that happens through daily handling. From pale wood tones to warm red hues, and eventually to a glossy, jade-like finish—every stage of this journey depends heavily on proper brushing.

While brushing often gets overlooked, it is in fact a core part of walnut care, shaping cleanliness, color development, and long-term gloss. This streamlined guide explains everything beginners need: how brushing works, which tools to choose, and how to build a full routine from base preparation to the final shine.

1. Why Brushing Matters: The Science Behind Gloss Formation

To care for Wenwan walnuts effectively, it helps to understand how their transformation works.

1.1 The Natural Structure of Wenwan Walnuts

Wenwan walnuts behave like dense, textured wood. They feature:

• Deep and shallow grooves

• A fine outer hair layer

• Complex ridges that trap dust

• Micro-pores that absorb oils and sweat

These characteristics mean that brushing is essential to:

• Remove residue

• Clear fibers

• Open the surface

• Ensure oils absorb evenly

Skipping this step can cause oils and dust to mix, creating black grime that blocks grooves and leads to uneven color.

1.2 How Color and Gloss Actually Form

Wenwan walnuts develop beauty through three stages:

Penetration
Natural oils and sweat enter the walnut’s wood fibers after the hair layer is removed.

Oxidation
Oils react with air, forming a thin “slurry” that gives the surface its first soft glow.

Thickening
With continued polishing, the slurry strengthens, becoming glossy and eventually semi-translucent—what players call the jade-like finish.

Proper brushing ensures all three phases happen evenly and cleanly.

2. How to Choose the Right Walnut Brush

Although there are many brush styles, beginners only need to understand three functional categories: cleaning, polishing, and maintenance.

2.1 High-Density Bristle Brushes (Best All-Round Option)

These natural brushes balance softness and strength.

Why they’re ideal for beginners:

• Safe for all walnut stages

• Remove dust while lightly polishing

• Help oils absorb smoothly

• Durable and long-lasting

Suitable for new walnuts, daily brushing, glossy stages, and long-term care.

2.2 Nano Brushes (Modern & Popular)

Available in hard and soft versions.

• Hard Nano: good for breaking the hair layer and deep cleaning

• Soft Nano: gentle daily maintenance

Nano brushes don’t absorb oil, making them useful but slightly harsher than natural bristles.

2.3 Soft Metal Brushes (Copper or Fine Wire)

Used mainly for initial deep cleaning.

• Quickly remove debris and hair layer

• Reach deep grooves effectively

• Require gentle use to avoid scratching

Not recommended for long-term brushing.

2.4 Detail Brushes (Soft Toothbrush / Microfiber)

Essential for precise finishing:

• Clean tight grooves

• Remove remaining dust after main brushing

• Maintain cleanliness without affecting gloss

3. A Simplified Brushing Routine for Every Stage

Instead of memorizing complicated ratios, focus on the walnut’s condition. Below is the beginner-friendly brushing framework.

3.1 Stage One: Fresh White Walnuts (Base Preparation)

Goal:

• Remove fruit residues

• Remove hair layer

• Fully open the surface

Recommended tools:

• Hard nano or soft metal brush (initial clean)

• Pig bristle brush (main brushing)

• Detail brush (final dust removal)

This stage determines long-term gloss. Take your time.

3.2 Stage Two: Early Gloss Formation

Signs:

• Surface begins to show a soft, even glow

• Grooves stay clean longer

Routine:

• Brush once daily with a natural bristle brush

• Avoid excess oil from hands

Purpose:
Keep the surface clean so oxidation happens evenly.

3.3 Stage Three: Stable Shine / Jade-Like Stage

When gloss is tight and color is deep:

Routine:

• Brush 1–2 times per month

• Focus on dust removal only

At this point, brushing maintains rather than builds gloss.

4. The Complete Beginner Brushing Workflow

Use this sequence every time you prepare or maintain your walnuts.

Step 1: Light Surface Opening

Use a hard plastic or hard nano brush.
Purpose: remove loose debris and prepare the surface.

Step 2: Main Brushing for Cleaning & Gloss Activation

Use a pig bristle or horsehair brush.

• Deep grooves → short, rapid motions

• Shallow patterns → longer sweeping motions

This is the step that truly shapes the walnut’s long-term appearance.

Step 3: Detail Cleaning

Use a soft toothbrush or microfiber brush to remove remaining dust in grooves.

5. When Is the Base Preparation Finished?

Your walnut is ready for genuine polishing once:

✔ Grooves are completely clean

No visible fibers, residue, or white spots.

✔ The surface shows a thin, even mist-like glow

Not glossy yet—just a soft, uniform sheen.
This indicates the walnut is ready for oils and daily rubbing.

Conclusion

Brushing is not an optional step—it is the engine behind clean grooves, even color, and long-lasting porcelain shine. With the right tools and a steady routine, every walnut will reward you with:

• Rich, deep tones

• Tight, smooth gloss

• A warm, jade-like transparency

This is the beauty formed not by machines, but by your hands and patience.

Related articles:

Three Key Questions and Five Ultimate Brushing Techniques for Wenwan Walnuts

A Beginner’s Guide to Wenwan Walnuts: History, Meaning, and How to Choose a Pair

What Makes Wenwan Walnuts So Valuable to Collect and Play?

Wenwan Walnut Polishing Guide: How to Get the Perfect Red Patina