Paint Brush Cleaners & Paint Thinners

Clean decorating tools and walls thoroughly with sugar soap and white spirit at Toolstation, from trusted brands including Everbuild and Barrettine. Browse a selection of sugar soap to clean the walls in preparation for decorating. Find sugar soap spray, such as the ready-to-use sugar soap spray in 500ml, sugar soap powder that's silicate-free to effectively remove grease and grime, or sugar soap liquid to improve adhesion. Find effective paint brush cleaners, such as the Barrettine white spirit, which can also be used as a thinner or low odour white spirit to avoid the chemical smell. Alternatively, choose the Everbuild solvent-based brush cleaner suitable for brushes, rollers and pads, which can clean gloss, emulsion and varnish. Restore brushes back to their original condition with Everbuild brush restorer to remove paint from gummed-up and old, hardened brushes.

Why Proper Cleaning Matters

Taking time to clean tools and prepare surfaces:
- Extends the lifespan of brushes and rollers
- Prevents contamination of fresh paint
- Improves finish quality and consistency
- Saves money by reducing tool replacement
- Ensures better adhesion and durability of coatings

Why is sugar soap used for before painting?

Sugar soap removes grease, nicotine stains, dust and general dirt from walls and woodwork, creating a clean surface so paint adheres properly.

Do I need to clean new brushes before using them?

Yes. Rinsing a new brush removes loose bristles and manufacturing residue, helping achieve a smoother finish.

Can white spirit be used to clean all types of paint?

White spirit is suitable for oil-based paints, varnishes and stains. For water-based paints like emulsion, use warm soapy water or a specialist water-based cleaner.

How do professionals clean paint brushes?

They remove excess paint, use the correct cleaner for the coating type, work the solution through the bristles, rinse thoroughly and reshape the brush before drying flat.

Can hardened brushes really be restored?

Yes. A dedicated brush restorer softens dried paint, allowing you to reuse brushes that would otherwise be discarded.

Is low-odour white spirit as effective?

Yes. It performs the same job as standard white spirit but is more comfortable to use indoors thanks to reduced solvent fumes.