Paint Brush Care and Maintenance: Make Your Brushes Last

Quality paint brushes are an investment. With proper care, they can last years or even decades. Neglect them, and even expensive brushes become useless within months.

Why Brush Care Matters

• Maintains brush shape and point
• Ensures consistent performance
• Saves money long-term
• Produces better painting results

Cleaning Brushes by Medium

Oil Paints

1. Wipe excess paint on rag
2. Swirl in solvent (mineral spirits or Gamsol)
3. Wipe and repeat until clean
4. Wash with brush soap and warm water
5. Rinse thoroughly
6. Reshape bristles

Tip: Use a brush washer with coil to scrub bristles gently.

Acrylics

Speed is essential—acrylics dry quickly:

1. Never let paint dry in brush
2. Rinse in water frequently while painting
3. Clean with soap and water immediately after
4. Use brush cleaner for stubborn paint

Watercolours

1. Rinse in clean water
2. Gently wipe on cloth
3. Reshape point
4. Occasional soap cleaning for deep clean

Deep Cleaning Techniques

Brush Soap

Use artist's brush soap monthly:

1. Wet brush with warm water
2. Swirl in brush soap
3. Work soap into bristles with fingers
4. Rinse thoroughly
5. Repeat if needed

Restoring Dried Brushes

For brushes with dried paint:

• Acrylics: Soak in rubbing alcohol or brush restorer
• Oils: Soak in Murphy's Oil Soap overnight
• Gently work out softened paint
• May not fully restore, but worth trying

Proper Storage

Short-Term (Between Sessions)

• Store upright in jar, bristles up
• Or lay flat on table
• Never rest on bristles

Long-Term Storage

• Ensure completely dry
• Store in brush roll or case
• Protect from dust and moths
• Add cedar or lavender for moth protection

Find quality brushes in our paint brushes guide and acrylic brushes guide.