Brushes are an obvious necessity when it comes to painting; only use natural hair brushes when working in encaustic (e.g. Hogbristle, Hake, etc.). Synthetic brushes can not withstand the high heat and the bristles can become burned, fused or melted. This also can be true when working with natural brushes, the chance of burning the bristles, but only when working directly under the heat gun/torch where the temperature is at its hottest. You can avoid burning simply by moving the brush out of the direct heat. Practice makes perfect. And a great thing about encaustic is that you rarely have to clean your brushes. The fact is that encaustic cools (doesn't dry) and as long as you have plenty of brushes (recommended one for each basic color) you will be set to go.
P.S. Hake brushes are made from many things (ox, squirrel, goat) including synthetic material which can melt; only purchase natural bristles.
