In order to ensure that your paintbrushes last, it’s important to make a habit of cleaning them correctly. We have outlined a few tips to make your cleaning easier.
This quick checklist will help you make those paint brushes last for your next painting project.
- For oil-based or latex-based paint, use mineral spirits, turpentine or acetone.
- For water-based paint, clean your paintbrushes with warm water and a drop of liquid dish soap. Shampoo also does a good job with water-based paint!
- For hardened water-based paint, soak your brushes in warm water and add a few drops of dish soap and white vinegar.
- You might want to save and reuse your solvents, such as mineral spirits for another occasion. This is why it’s important to initially wipe your paintbrushes with a paper towel. By cleaning up the excess paint, your solvent jar will last longer.
- Clean your brushes in a ventilated area, since some of the fumes from the solvents, can be harmful to your health.
- To avoid toxic products on your skin and eyes, it’s always a good idea to wear gloves and eye –wear, while cleaning your paintbrushes.
- Make sure to use different paintbrushes for oil and water-based paint.
- Never let a paintbrush dry on its tip, the bristles will get damaged. Synthetic brushes may be able to regain their shape by soaking them in hot water.
- Try to clean your paintbrushes while they are still wet. It will be more difficult to clean them once the paint is dry.
- Before using a paintbrush for the first time, dampen in with a drop of paint thinner. This will make cleanup easier and make your paintbrush last longer.
- Ideally it’s best to clean your brushes right away, however, if you are unable to do so, you can store brushes with water-based paint in the freezer. If you are painting with water-based paint, wrap your paintbrush in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Let your paintbrush thaw before using it again.
