Cleaning your paintbrush well after use will keep the bristles in shape the next time you paint. There are many ways to clean brushes. However, there are certain paints that need to be cleaned differently. Try to clean your paintbrush thoroughly after each painting so you can use it for a long time.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Solvent
Step 1. Apply the brush to the surface of the cloth or tissue
Try to remove as much paint from the brush as possible. Removing paint residue will make cleaning your brushes easier!
Step 2. Rinse the brush with an appropriate solvent
You can use solvents from previous painting sessions. Simply pour the solvent into a bowl or bucket and use it to rinse the brush over and over again. Rub the solvent onto the sides and bottom of the brush case as well. Here are a selection of solvents you can use:
- Use mineral spirits for most oil-based paints.
- Use water for water-based paints such as acrylic paints, watercolors, latex, and most paper and wood glues.
- Use denat alcohol for shellac paint.
- Check the label on the product package if you don't know what type of paint you are using. This label should contain a guide to choosing a paint solvent.
Step 3. Wipe the brush with a rag
That way, the remaining solvent on the brush will be lifted. You may skip this step if the solvent you are using is water.
Step 4. Rinse the brush under running water
Use warm water to rinse the brush. You may need to run the bristles of the brush with your fingers while rinsing. Just make sure to rub the ferret's bristle brush gently.
Step 5. Shake or wipe the brush to remove any excess water
Once the brush is clean, remove any excess water. Return the shape of the bristles to their original shape and then store the brush upright in the container so that the bristles do not deform after drying.
Step 6. Let the bristles dry on their own
Once the bristles are dry, you can return to storing them. Make sure the bristles are completely dry because the brushes can grow mold if they are kept wet.
Method 2 of 4: Fabric Softener
Step 1. Wipe the excess paint off the brush
Run the brush over a paper towel or rag to remove as much of the paint residue as possible.
Step 2. Mix about 4 liters of water with 1/2 cup (120 ml) of fabric softener
Use warm (but not hot) water. This solution will help loosen the paint from the brush so it can come off more easily.
Step 3. Swirl the brush in the fabric softener solution
Rotate the brush for a few seconds until the excess paint comes off. Then, play again for a few seconds.
Step 4. Remove any remaining fabric softener
Squeeze the remaining water from the bristles with a cloth or tissue.
Step 5. Reshape the bristles and place the brush perpendicular to dry
Allow the bristles to dry completely before storing them.
Method 3 of 4: Vinegar (for Brushes with Dried Paint Residue)
Step 1. Soak the brush in white vinegar for an hour
After an hour, check to see if you can bend the bristles again. If it still doesn't bend, put the brush back in the vinegar and let it soak for another hour.
Step 2. Place the brushes in an old pot and soak them in vinegar
If there's still some dry paint left on your brush after two hours of soaking, try boiling it. Allow all the bristles of the brush to be completely submerged in the vinegar.
Step 3. Bring the vinegar to a boil on the stove
Let the vinegar and the brush in it simmer for a few minutes.
Step 4. Remove the brush and allow it to cool
The brush will feel very hot to the touch at first. So, be careful. We recommend using tongs to lift the brush.
Step 5. Comb the brush bristles
You can comb the bristles with your fingers or an old comb. Place your finger or comb at the base of the brush and pull it toward the tip to loosen the paint. Keep repeating this step until the remaining paint that has dried is completely removed.
Step 6. Rinse the brush
Once the paint has loosened, rinse the brush under running water to remove it.
Step 7. Repeat as needed
You may need to boil the brush in vinegar and comb the bristles again to restore their shape.
Step 8. Let the brush dry by itself
Place the brush vertically in the jar and reshape the bristles. Once the brush is completely dry, you can store it.
Method 4 of 4: Liquid Dish Soap (for Oil Paints)
Step 1. Squeeze out as much paint as possible from the brush
Do this step with a cloth or tissue.
Step 2. Pour liquid dish soap into your palms
A little dish soap should do the job for cleaning the brushes. Next, prepare warm water.
Step 3. Swirl the bristles in the palm of your hand
While waiting for the warm water, swirl the bristles of the brush in the palm of the hand that you have applied the soap to. Rinse the brush and repeat until the paint color is no longer on the soap. You may need to do this step at least 3 times.
Step 4. Restore the shape of the brush bristles
Allow the brush to dry completely before using it again to paint with oil paints. Lay the brush flat so that excess water doesn't get trapped in the head, causing the bristles to loosen and/or the handle to bend.
This step is optional. You can also wash your brushes with mineral spirits every few months for a more thorough cleaning
Tips
- Do not place the brush resting on the bristles, or submerge it in water. Instead, wrap the bristles in a tissue, fold the end of the tissue under the brush, then lay the brush flat to dry.
- After the bristles are dry, tie them with a rubber band. This bond will train the bristles of the brush so they are easier to control when you paint later.
- If you use acrylic paint, acetone or alcohol denat can be used to save a dirty brush that has already dried. Simply soak the brush for a minute or two in acetone, then wash with soap. Repeat until the bristles are clean and smooth. Use tweezers to pluck out any hairs sticking out.
- If you paint with oil paints every day, washing your brushes every day may be too much time. Try wrapping the brush in a plastic bag or storing it in a plastic clip. Soaking the brush in solvent continuously will greatly reduce its service life.
Warning
- Don't forget to wash your hands after cleaning the brushes.
- Even if you use turpentine as a medium when painting oil paints, you should use mineral spirits as a solvent as it is safer.
