How to Best Clean Paint Brushes
When you decide to take on a painting project, it is highly recommended that you invest in quality brushes to ensure the outcome of the job is satisfactory. Cheap brushes tend to leave streaks in the paint and many of them shed bristles while you are painting. A quality paintbrush will last much longer than a cheap brush if you take care of it properly.
How to Best Clean Paint Brushes
- Wipe off any excess paint from the brush after using it. This can be done by gently squeezing the bristles with your fingers or a cloth. Be careful not to pull too hard on the bristles.
- Rinse the brush in lukewarm water if you have been using a water-based paint or rinse it with turpentine if you have been using oil-based paint. Never use hot water on the brush because it will cause the bristles to fall out.
- Wipe it on a cloth to remove any excess paint remaining in the brush.
- Wash the brush using a mild dishwashing soap. Put a dab of dishwashing liquid on the brush and working it into a lather with your fingers.
- Rinse the brush and wash it again until there is no evidence of paint coming from the brush.
- Rinse the brush one last time in lukewarm water to remove all the traces of soap.
- Shake off any excess water in the brush.
- Using your fingers, gently shape the head of the brush into its correct shape.
- Wrap the bristles of the paintbrush in toilet paper while the brush is still wet. As the paper dries it will pull the bristles into shape.
- Stand the brush in an upright position and allow it to dry at room temperature.