How To Clean A Paint Brush
Dried-on paint on your brushes not only ruins them, it's a sure-fire way of leaving you with a poor finish when you carry out a new painting job. Cleaning your paint brushes after use is the best way of increasing their longevity and keeping them in tip-top condition.
If you've just finished painting a wall or ceiling, you may be left with a brush covered in tough-to-remove oil-based paint. But don't worry, our step-by-step guide can help you effectively clean your paint brush so it's as good as new and ready for any future DIY project.
Essential Tools & Equipment
Step 1: Remove Excess Oil Paint
When you've finished your painting project you'll probably be left with a brush that's saturated with oil paint. You'll want to shift as much of this paint as possible as this makes cleaning easier, and saves any excess paint for other decorating jobs.
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Initiate the cleaning process by placing the edge of your paint brush in the paint tin and wiping down the bristles with a clean, lint-free cloth.
- Keep repeating this process until you've removed as much of the paint as possible.
Step 2: Initial Cleaning with White Spirit
Next step is to loosen up any remaining, stubborn oil paint left on the bristles.
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Pour a small amount of white spirit into a glass jar.
- Dip your brush in the jar and gently swirl it around to loosen up any remaining paint.
- Wipe the brush on clean tissue or a cloth, then pour the used spirit into another jar to reuse later.
Step 3: Repeat the Cleaning Cycle
Wipe the used jar using some tissue then pour in another small amount of white spirit. Dip and swirl the brush as before then pour the used white spirit into your second jar.
Continue repeating this process until the brush is virtually clean. A good indicator that the brush is almost free of oil paint is the white spirit should look much less cloudy.
Step 4: Use a Wire Brush for Hardened Paint
To salvage a paint brush that has hardened or dried-on paint on the bristles, it's best to use a wire brush.
- Take the paint brush and place it in a suitable container, then pour a small amount of white spirit on the bristles.
- Using the wire brush, brush down the bristles in long strokes to free up any dried-on paint.
Step 5: Final Rinse and Store the Brush
With any hardened paint now removed it's a good idea to give your brush a final rinse in clean white spirit, ensuring all paint has been removed.
Top Tip: If you have the original paint brush wrapper, pop the brush back in before storing it away. This prevents the bristles from fanning out as it dries, ensuring that it retains its original shape.
