How to Clean an Artist Paint Brush?

by John Thomas Author

Brushes are the most important investment for artists. So, it is very essential for artists to clean the brushes and keep them properly after the painting session is over. Only if they do this, their painting tools will last for a longer time. Here we are going to discuss about some important ways, which one needs to follow while cleaning the artist paint brush. If you are into painting, make sure you follow them while cleaning:

1. Use a bit of mild soap when you wash a brush. Dab it gently onto the soap piece and then work up the lather in the container. Rinse and keep on repeating the process until you are sure there is no trace of paint left.

2. If you still find paint, make use of a soft tissue or cloth. Gently squeeze the bristles from ferrule edge outwards with a cloth or with your fingers to remove the paint from the brush. However, be very careful while squeezing the bristles because most of the time it’s seen that people end up pulling them.

3. When there is no paint coming out of the brush, rinse it one more time in a clean, lukewarm water for removing any trace of soap.

4. Remember not to use too much pressure for forcing paint to come out of the brush. Just be tolerant and keep rinsing it a number of times.

5. Don’t forget to rinse the artist paint brush in oil or turpentine if you have used a water-based medium while painting. Also make sure not to use boiling water while rinsing because it expands the ferrule, which causes the hairs of brush to fall off.

6. You can wrap up the bristles of a brush in a toilet paper or tissue paper if it's wet. The moment the paper dries, it will contract pulling bristles into proper shape.

7. Make use of your precious fingers to shape the head of the brush into a correct form. At times, distorted synthetic brushes may be reshaped as well. All you need to do is soak the brushes in hot water.

8. Leave the brush in a room temperature for drying . Make sure it is not resting on its head. Instead, allow it to stand on the back of its handle.

9. If you are concerned about the paint’s toxic level, put on gloves while cleaning your brush.

10. After cleaning natural bristle brushes, dip them in dirt free oil and soften it after cleaning it.

John Thomas is passionate about writing articles and blogs on different types of brushes. You can find lot of her articles on platers brush, abrasive brush etc. Here he writes about cleaning tips for an artist paint brush.