How To Clean Paintbrushes in 3 Easy Steps

Painting can be a therapeutic and satisfying experience, but cleaning up afterward is often a hassle. One of the most important tools you’ll need to clean after painting is your paintbrush. Cleaning your paintbrushes properly will help them last longer and keep them in good condition for your next painting session.

In this post, we’ll share three easy steps for cleaning your paintbrushes, from removing excess paint to rinsing and drying the bristles. Simply follow this step-by-step guide to get your painting supplies back in working order after unleashing your creativity on a fun art project. So, let’s get cleaning!

Step 1: Remove Excess Paint

Before you start cleaning your paintbrushes, it’s important to remove as much excess paint as possible. You can do this by wiping the brush on a paper towel or rag. The goal is to get as much paint out of the bristles as possible so that you don’t end up diluting your cleaning solution with too much paint.

If you’re using oil-based paint, you can use mineral spirits to remove excess paint. Simply pour some mineral spirits into a jar or container and dip your brush in it. Swirl the brush around until the excess paint starts to come off. Make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to dispose of the used mineral spirits safely.

Step 2: Clean the Brush

Once you’ve removed as much excess paint as possible, it’s time to clean your brush. Fill a container with the appropriate cleaning solution and dip your brush in it. Gently swirl the brush around in the solution, making sure to get the bristles clean.

For water-based paint, such as watercolor paint, you can use dish soap or a specialized brush cleaner. Use your fingers to gently massage the bristles and work the cleaning solution into the brush. If the bristles are particularly dirty, you can use a brush comb to help remove any stubborn paint.

For oil-based paint, you’ll need to use paint thinner or mineral spirits. Dip your brush into the solution and swirl it around gently. Work the solution into the bristles, and use a brush comb to remove any remaining paint. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using paint thinner or mineral spirits, as they can be toxic and flammable.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

After you’ve cleaned your brush, it’s time to rinse and dry it. For water-based paint, rinse the brush under warm water until the water runs clear. Make sure to remove all the soap or cleaner from the bristles. Once the brush is clean, gently squeeze out excess water and reshape the bristles.

For oil-based paint, you can rinse the brush in a container of clean paint thinner or mineral spirits. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disposing of the used cleaning solution. Once the brush is clean, gently squeeze out any excess liquid and reshape the bristles.

Finally, it’s important to let your paintbrushes dry completely before storing them. Lay them flat on a clean surface or hang them up by their handles to dry. Store your brushes in a dry place and protect the bristles from damage before using them for your next art project.