Proper cleaning and storage of a paintbrush is vital for increasing its shelf life. The brush won’t produce satisfactory results, if it is not cleaned thoroughly after every use. There are different methods of cleaning a paintbrush, one of the simplest being the use of lukewarm water and mild soap. This is the easiest method to wipe off the excess paint sticking to the brush. While cleaning the brush, make sure to work on the bristles in a gentle manner, because they tend to come off the brush if much force is applied. Go through the following lines and know how to clean a paintbrush.
Cleaning Your Paintbrushes
- Squeeze the bristles of the brush outwards gently, using fingers, to remove the excess paint sticking to them.
- If you have been using oil-based paint, rinse the brush with a rag dipped in turpentine. Rinse the brush with lukewarm water in case you have been using water-based paint. If there is still some paint left, wipe the brush with a clean, dry cloth.
- Wash the paintbrush, using a cleaner. A mild soap is suitable for cleaning it. Keep a piece of soap in one hand and the paintbrush in the other. Apply soap into the bristles, by brushing the paintbrush on it.
- Rinse the brush well. Repeat the above step, until you find that no trace of paint is coming out of the brush.
- In order to remove the traces of soap, rinse the paintbrush in lukewarm water.
- Blot out the excess water and dry the brush at room temperature.
- Shape the brush head into its original shape using your fingers.
- Let it dry and then store it.
Tips
- Do not use detergent to clean a paintbrush, as the harsh chemical will deteriorate the quality of the bristles.
- Always keep separate brushes for using oil-based and water-based paints.
- Use lukewarm water to clean the paintbrush.
- You can also reshape the synthetic paintbrushes by soaking them in hot water. While doing this, make sure that the water is not boiling.
