When you start a painting project, the first thing you are told is to buy a good paint brush. A good quality paint brush, when treated properly, can last for years. You can even stretch the life of a lower quality paint brush when you clean and store it properly. By following a few guidelines, cleaning a paint brush can be an easy job that can be accomplished in as little as ten to fifteen minutes.
Water-based paint:
When painting with a water-based paint such as latex, cleaning is easily accomplished with soap and water. Remove as much paint from the brush as possible by scraping the paint brush on the edge of the paint can. Rinse the paint from the brush under clean running water, squeezing as you rinse. Add some dishwashing liquid and work it into a lather. Shampoo also makes a good cleanser and will help add natural oils back into the bristles. Squeeze the soap and water through the paint brush and rinse again in clean water. Once the bristles are rinsed free of all paint and soap, separate the bristles using a brush comb or old fork. Wrap the brush in its original container or brown paper to re-form the bristles. Store the paint brush either lying flat or hanging from the handle.
Oil-based paint:
To clean a paint brush that was used in oil-based paint such as an acrylic, a paint solvent or paint thinner will be necessary. Mineral spirits or paint thinner will clean most polyurethane and enamels made with alkyd (oil-based) resins. Read the manufacturer’s guidance on the side of the paint can for best results. For easiest cleanup, fill two small coffee cans about half full of the proper solvent. Dip the brush into the first container of solvent and spin the brush inside the can. Use a brush comb or old fork and work the solvent into the bristles. Dip the brush into the second, clean container of solvent, swish it around and spin the brush again vigorously. Repeat the process once more if necessary. After the brush is clean of paint, wash the brush in a soap and water mixture to remove any excess solvent. Squeeze the brush to remove all water, reshape the bristles with the brush comb and allow it to dry thoroughly. Store the brush in its original packaging or wrap it securely in brown paper.
Tips:
Before using a paint brush for the first time, dampen the brush with a small amount of paint thinner. This will help prolong the life of your brush and make final cleanup much easier.
It is best to clean a paint brush as soon as you are finished using it; however, if this is not possible, you can store the brush for later use. If you are painting with a water-based latex paint, wrap the paint brush in either foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Bring the paint brush to room temperature when ready to use. If the paint is oil based, the paint brush can be stored for a short period of time in the proper cleaning solvent.
A paint brush that has dried hard can be salvaged by soaking it in hot vinegar.
Never store a paint brush standing it on its tip. It is necessary to either hang it by the handle or lay it flat to keep the brush tips from becoming malformed.
And remember: Always dispose of all cleaning solvents properly.
