How to Care for Paintbrushes
A brush care Guide for Acrylic and Oil Painters
Taking good care of your paintbrushes ensures they last longer and perform at their best. Whether you're using acrylics or oils, proper cleaning and maintenance will help keep your brushes in excellent condition. In this guide, we'll cover methods for cleaning, storing, and maintaining paintbrushes, along with product recommendations from trusted brands.
General Brush Care Tips
Never leave brushes sitting in water or solvent for long periods- If water or moisture sits in this area for too long, it can damage the brush over time. It can weaken the hair/bristles, destroy brush finish, warp the wood handle, and loosen the ferrule (the metal part holding the bristles).
Avoid getting paint inside the bristles where it meets the ferrule (metal part.) If paint dries here, it can fray or split the brush.
Wash your brushes immediately after painting. Don’t wait until the paint drys- this will be harder to clean and it can damage the shape of the brush.
There are specific cleaners designed for both acrylic and oil paints, as each type has a different base and requires a unique cleaning method. Be sure to choose a cleaner suited for the type of paint you work with.
Rinse your brush out with water. Use the appropriate soap. Remove excess water with a paper towel until it does not leave tinted water.
Store brushes somewhere that allows bristles to keep its shape. (Avoid containers that bend the hairs and storing brushes in a cup with hairs down.)
No matter the brush, it’s essential to remove any remaining paint from the bristles after each use. This should be done carefully to avoid damaging the shape of the brush while ensuring it stays in good condition.
Cleaning Acrylic Paint Brushes
Acrylic paint dries quickly, so it’s essential to clean brushes as soon as you’re finished painting.
Rinse in Water Immediately
Swirl your brush in a jar of water to remove excess paint. Use a separate jar for rinsing different colors.
Wash with Soap
Wet the brush and use a gentle brush soap like The Masters Brush Cleaner or mild dish soap.
Drag the brush against the soap- along the bristles. Work the soap into the bristles with your fingers or a brush-cleaning mat.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse under lukewarm water until completely clean of soap and any paint residue.
Condition and Reshape
Use a bit of brush conditioner to help preserve and soften the bristles. I use The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver because it works as a cleaner, conditioner, and I use it to reshape bristles. After washing the brush, I remove excess water. Using my fingertips, I apply a thin coat of The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver, to shape the brush back into shape.
Dry Properly
Lay the brush flat on a towel or hang it with the bristles pointing down. Do this to avoid water from seeping into the ferrule. Once the brush is dry, then you can store brushes upright.
Recommended Products for Acrylic Brushes:
Master’s Brush Cleaner and Preserver – Cleans and conditions brushes to extend their lifespan.
General Pencil Company’s Kiss-Off Stain Remover – Removes dried acrylic paint from bristles.
Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank – A jar with a coil inside to help remove paint without damaging the bristles.
Cleaning Oil Paint Brushes
Oil paint doesn’t dry as quickly as acrylic, but it requires a different cleaning process since it isn’t water-soluble.
Wipe Off Excess Paint
Use a paper towel or rag to remove as much paint as possible before washing.
Rinse with a Solvent
Dip the brush into an odorless mineral spirit, turpentine, or an eco-friendly brush cleaner like Gamsol. Swirl the brush for 10 seconds to loosen the paint. If you do not have or do not wish to use mineral spirits, you can use baby oil or Murphy’s Oil Soap.
Do not leave the brush to soak in the solvent- this could chemically burn the bristles.
Wipe off excess solvent.
Wash with Soap
Wet the brush and use a gentle brush soap like The Masters Brush Cleaner or mild dish soap.
Gently drag the brush against the soap- along the bristles. Work the soap into the bristles with your fingers or a brush-cleaning mat.
Rinse Well
Rinse under lukewarm water until completely clean of soap and any paint residue.
Condition and Reshape
Use a bit of brush conditioner to help preserve and soften the bristles. I use The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver because it works as a cleaner, conditioner, and I use it to reshape bristles. After washing the brush, I remove excess water. Using my fingertips, I apply a thin coat of The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver, to shape the brush back into shape.
Dry Properly
Lay the brush flat on a towel or hang it with the bristles pointing down. Do this to avoid water from seeping into the ferrule. Once the brush is dry, then you can store brushes upright.
Recommended Products for Oil Brushes:
Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits – A low-toxicity solvent that effectively cleans oil paint.
The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver – Works well for deep cleaning and conditioning.
Jack Richeson Linseed Studio Soap – A natural alternative to harsh solvents.
Maintaining Brush Shape
Even with proper cleaning, brushes can lose their shape over time. To maintain their form:
Use a brush conditioner (like The Masters Brush Cleaner) to keep bristles soft.
Try a brush shaper like Winsor & Newton Brush Restorer to restore misshapen bristles.
Use a Brush Holder- Once dry, store brushes upright in a cup or case to maintain their shape.
Deep Clean Occasionally- Even with regular cleaning, a deeper clean with The Masters Brush Cleaner can remove stubborn paint buildup.
Avoid Crushing Bristles- Never store brushes bristle-down or leave them soaking in water or solvent.
Use the Right Brush for the Right Paint- Some brushes are made specifically for acrylic or oil, so check the label when purchasing.
Never use too much pressure when cleaning brushes- gently work the paint out to avoid damaging the bristles.
Keep brush caps to help keep bristles in shape. If you don’t have caps, wrap a post-it note around the brush.
Use a separate brush for dry brushing and glue.
Regularly rinse your brushes while painting to prevent paint from drying on the bristles. Gently move them back and forth in a cup of water, avoiding any forceful rubbing against the bottom or sides of the container.
After rinsing, reshape the bristles with your fingers.
When to Replace Your Brushes
No matter how well you care for them, brushes don’t last forever. Signs it’s time to replace your brushes:
Bristles are frayed, stiff, or permanently bent.
The ferrule is loose or rusted.
Bristles won’t hold paint properly.
Recommended Products
The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver – Great for deep cleaning and restoring brushes.
Pink Soap – A gentle but effective cleaner for both acrylic and oil brushes.
Turpenoid – A safer alternative to turpentine for cleaning oil paint brushes.
General Pencil Brush Cleaner – Helps remove dried acrylic and oil paint buildup.
Final touches
Caring for your paintbrushes properly can save you money and improve your painting experience. By using the right cleaning techniques and products, you’ll keep your brushes in great shape, you'll save money, and you’ll get better results in your artwork!
