Cleaning paint brushes is an essential task for a successful painting job and maintaining quality tools, but it can be tricky when you don’t know how. For the perfect brush care, knowing the right way to clean them is essential. Here’s how to clean paint brushes in 8 simple steps:
1. Basics: Different Types of Paint Brushes
Before you learn how to clean paint brushes, it’s important to understand the different types in order to choose the best method for each brush. There are two main types of brushes:
Natural Bristle Brushes: These brushes are made of animal hair, usually hog or ox, and are soft and flexible. They are commonly used with oil-based paints, varnishes, sealants, and shellac and are best used on wood surfaces.
Synthetic Brushes: Synthetic paint brushes are composed of nylon or polyester filaments and are the most commonly used today. They can be used with all types of paint, including latex and stains, and are perfect for all surfaces, such as walls, trim work, and furniture.
2. Preparing Your Brushes
Prepping is one of the most important steps in how to clean paint brushes. As soon as you’re finished with one, pour any excess paint back into the can, let it sit for some time (5 to 10 minutes is ideal) and then scrape off excess paint onto a paper towel, rag, or old newspaper.
3. Cleaning the Paint Brushes
Once excess paint and debris are off, cleaning your brush can be done with the use of a cleaning product or just plain soap and warm water. To clean them using product:
Mix paint thinner with water, using a 1:1 ratio according to the instructions on the can.
Alternatively, use a dedicated paintbrush cleaning solution.
Place the mix between your thumb and the ferrule face and move the brush in a back and forth motion to release the paint.
If there’s still remaining color in the brush, repeat the process.
To clean your brushes with water simply run them under hot water, making sure to work the brush slowly and methodically between your fingers. When you’re finished rinse with cold water and then dry with a brush comb or paper towel.
4. Cleaning Natural Bristle Brushes
Natural bristle brushes are a bit more tricky to clean, as they don’t react to water or paint thinners as well as synthetic brushes. To get them properly clean, follow these steps:
Use Green Soap or a mild brush cleaner.
Let softened brush soak in container filled with cleaner for 15 minutes.
Agitate brush back and forth to help loosen excess paint.
Make sure that the solution is running out freely.
Rinse with water.
5. Cleaning Synthetic Brushes
Synthetic paintbrushes are the easiest to clean, simply follow these steps:
Use liquid detergent or brush cleaner and fill a container with hot clean water.
Swirl brush back and forth in the water until the bristles are clean.
Rinse in hot running water, making sure to work the cleaner through the bristles.
6. Drying the Brushes
Once you’ve finished cleaning a brush, make sure you dry the bristles, as residual water will be bad for the fibers. To do this, wrap a paper towel around the bristles and form the shape of the brush with your hands, squeezing lightly.
You can also use a brush comb for tighter brushes where the paper towel can’t reach. Once the bristles are completely dry, shake out any excess water and start combing, starting from the base of the bristles and moving downwards towards the tips.
7. Disposing of the Dirty Paint and Cleaner
Before disposing of your brush or paint and solvent, it’s best to wait until the solvent evaporates, as that’ll minimize any risk to the environment. So simply leave the container in a ventilated area until the solvent has dissipated.
8. Storage Tips
Storing your brushes is a key factor to keep them in good condition and make them last longer. To store them effectively, follow these simple tips:
Hang your synthetic brushes in an open area to prevent the bristles from being squished.
Wrap your natural bristles in a cloth towel and store in a cool dry area, such as a cupboard.
Do not stow your brushes with their bristles facing up, as this will likely damage the fibers.
Following these steps in how to clean paint brushes will not only make sure the brushes last longer, but will ensure that your painting projects look perfect every single time. Taking the time to properly clean and care for your brushes is the best way to guarantee top-notch painting results without fail.
