◄Rinsing►After using your brushes, rinse them thoroughly in a gentle solvent appropriate for the type of paint youve used. For acrylics, water is usually sufficient, whereas oils will require a mineral spirit or a specialized brush cleaner.
◄Cleaning►
- For water-based paints, warm water and mild soap work well. Gently swirl the brush in the palm of your hand with soap and rinse until the water runs clear.
- For oil-based paints, you’ll need to clean them first in a solvent and then use soap and water to remove any remaining oil or solvent.
◄Reshaping► After washing, use your fingers to gently bring the bristles to a point or their original shape. This helps prevent the bristles from drying in a splayed or irregular shape.
◄Drying► Lay the brushes flat on a towel to dry. Never dry your brushes with the bristles up in a jar, as the water can seep into the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles) and loosen the glue, leading to bristle loss. Also, avoid using a hair dryer or placing them in the sun, as this can damage the bristles.
◄Storage►Store your brushes horizontally or with the bristles facing upwards in a container once they are completely dry. This helps maintain their shape and protect them from dust and damage.
◄Deep Cleaning► Every so often, its good to do a deep clean, especially if you use your brushes frequently. You can use a commercial brush cleaner or conditioner or make your own cleaning solution.
◄Conditioning► Use a brush conditioner or preserver after cleaning to keep the bristles soft and pliable. This is especially important for natural hair brushes.
◄Avoiding Damage►Don’t leave brushes standing in water or solvent, and try not to let paint dry on the brush. Also, avoid using fine brushes to mix paint, as this can bend and damage the bristles.