Posted under:
Art SuppliesSUPPLIES
- Paint thinner
- Paintbrush comb
- Dish soap or soft hand soap
- Plastic or metal containers
Overview
A paintbrush is one of an artist's main tools, and having brushes that are clean and well taken care is a must. Cleaning a paintbrush properly is important in order to make it last as long as possible. If done incorrectly, there could be leftover paint in the bristles or the bristles can become frayed, making it impossible to get a decent paint stroke again. Follow these steps to clean your paintbrush properly after painting with oil-based paints.
Step 1
Clean off any excess paint. Use a rag or newspaper to wrap around the metal part of the brush. Squeeze the rag or newspaper with your fingertips and pull the brush back with your other hand so your fingers move toward the end of the bristles. Repeat two times.
Step 2
Fill a container halfway up with paint thinner. Dip your brush in and swish around for about 30 seconds.
Step 3
Use a paintbrush comb to comb the brush from the metal piece to the end of the bristles.
Step 4
Swish the brush in the paint thinner again for 30 seconds and use a brush comb to comb the bristles.
Step 5
Fill another container with clean paint thinner and swish and brush again two times.
Step 6
Use soapy water to clean your brush. Fill a container with clean warm water and drop in a little bit of dishwashing soap or soft hand soap. Swish around for about 30 seconds and brush again with the comb. Repeat as necessary until the paintbrush is clean.
Step 7
Hang the brush up to dry thoroughly.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Wrap your brush in a rag dipped in paint thinner when taking breaks during painting so that the brush does not dry up.
Before beginning to paint with oil paints, dip your dry brush into paint thinner and shake off the excess.
- WARNING : Do not dump the paint thinner down the drain. See Resources for a government link on how to dispose of paint thinner and oil paints properly.
Resources
