By cleaning the brushes properly after use, you keep the bristles in the right shape for the next project. There are many cleaning techniques, although some types of paint require different approaches than others. Cleaning the brushes thoroughly after each painting session allows them to be used for a long time.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: with the Solvent
Step 1. Rub the brush on a rag or paper towel
Try to eliminate as much color as possible; by getting rid of the excess paint you make the job a lot easier. To proceed, you can rub the brush on the edge of the paint can when you are done working and then wipe it on a rag or kitchen paper to remove even more paint.
Step 2. Rinse it with the right solvent
You can use the same one you used when painting; pour it into a bowl or bucket and gently scrub the brush with horizontal movements; rub it along the sides and bottom of the bowl. If you have a comb spatula, you can use it while the brush is in the solvent. Here are some liquids suitable for your purpose:
- White spirit for most oil-based paints;
- Water for those based on water, such as acrylic, watercolor, latex and most of the white and wood glues;
- Denatured alcohol for shellac.
- If you are not sure what type of paint you are using, check the manufacturer's label which should have instructions on which solvent to use.
Step 3. Wash the bristles with water and dish soap to remove residue
Once you have cleaned the brush with the solvent, you must in fact get rid of the latter by rinsing the bristles under running water and then adding a few drops of dish soap; scrub thoroughly to allow the soap to work and then rinse the brush again until you have removed all traces. When finished, dry it with a clean rag or paper towel.
Step 4. Rinse it under warm running water
You need to rinse the bristles one more time; rub them between your fingers, but be very gentle if they are sable. You can use a comb spatula for this cleaning.
Step 5. Shake the tool or pat it to remove excess water
Once washed, you need to get rid of the residual water. Restore the correct shape of the bristles and store the brush upright in a container so that the bristles do not warp as they dry.
Step 6. Let it air dry completely
Once all traces of humidity have disappeared, you can put the brush back in its original packaging. But make sure it is dry; if you can box it while it is still wet, mold may develop.
Method 2 of 4: with fabric softener
Step 1. Remove excess color from the brush
Rub it on paper towels or a cloth to get rid of as much paint as possible.
Step 2. Make a mixture of 4 liters of water and 120ml of fabric softener
Use hot, but not boiling water; this solution removes the color from the bristles, easily detaching it.
Step 3. Shake the brush in the mixture
Move it for a few seconds, until you see the paint starting to peel off and shake it for a few more seconds.
Step 4. Rinse away the residue
Squeeze the bristles using a rag or kitchen paper to get rid of the water. you can also quickly spin the brush in your hands or tap it on the shoe to shake away the moisture.
Step 5. Give the bristles the correct shape and set the brush upright to dry it
Wait until it is completely dry before storing it.
Method 3 of 4: with Vinegar (in case of Hardened Paint)
Step 1. Soak the brush in white vinegar for an hour
After this time, check if you can bend the bristles; if this is not possible, dip the brush in the vinegar again for another hour.
Step 2. Put the brush in an old saucepan and cover it with white vinegar
If after two hours of soaking there is hardened paint left on the bristles, try boiling the brush; make sure the vinegar completely covers them.
Step 3. Bring the liquid to a boil on the stove
Let it simmer for a few minutes with the brush inside.
Step 4. Remove the tool from the saucepan and wait for it to cool
Proceed with great caution, as it is very hot to the touch at first; use a pot holder or tongs.
Step 5. Comb the bristles
For this purpose, you can use your fingers or an old comb; place the accessory at the base of the bristles and slide it along their entire length to loosen any residual color. Proceed in this way until the encrustations have completely removed.
Step 6. Rinse the brush
Once the paint has loosened, rinse it under cold running water to remove any remaining residue.
Step 7. Repeat as needed
It may be necessary to completely repeat the procedure to restore the original shape of the bristles.
Step 8. Let it air dry
Place the brush upright in a jar and make sure the bristles take the correct shape; when it is completely dry, you can store it normally.
Method 4 of 4: with liquid dish detergent (for oil-based paints)
Step 1. Squeeze as much paint out of the brush as possible
You can rub it on a rag or some paper towels.
Step 2. Put some liquid dish soap on the palm of your hand
A dose equivalent to a dime is sufficient; turn on the tap and wait for hot water to come out.
Step 3. Rub the brush in circular motions on the palm of your hand
While letting the hot water run over your hand, scrub the bristles; rinse and repeat until you no longer notice any traces of paint; to get satisfactory results, you will need to repeat the process at least three times.
Step 4. Restore the original brush shape
Wait for it to dry completely before using it again with an oil-based paint. Place it vertically, so that water does not get trapped in the brush head, which could cause the bristles to loosen and / or the handle to break or deform.
In addition (but not mandatory), you can also use white spirit every few months for a deeper clean
Advice
- Do not hold a brush vertically on the bristles and do not let it soak in water; instead wrap them in absorbent paper, fold the edge under them and lay the instrument flat to dry.
- Once the bristles are dry, store the tool in its original container (if you still have it) or wrap them with a rubber band, so they keep their original shape and the brush is easier to handle during the next job.
- If you use acrylic paint, you can use acetone or denatured alcohol to recover a caked brush. It is sufficient to immerse it for a few minutes in the solvent and then rinse it with water and soap; repeat the sequence until the bristles are soft and clean. Use tweezers to remove frizzy hair on the sides.
- If you paint with oil paints every day, you may find that a daily cleaning wears out your brushes too much; try wrapping them in plastic wrap or storing them in a resealable plastic bag. If you leave the bristles constantly in the solvent, you can significantly reduce their life.
Warnings
- Don't forget to wash your hands after cleaning your brushes.
- Although turpentine is typically used for oil painting tools, you should opt for white spirit as a solvent, as it is much less toxic.
