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 ThA few summers ago, I went to the hardware store to buy a paint brush and was thinking, if it’s going to cost me a lot, I should ask the sales clerk how to clean a paint brush. I don’t like shopping in hardware stores because they’re huge and they have a lot of merchandise on the shelves. Confusing. So I wasn’t ready to keep going back to buy a new paint brush. I wanted to stick to one.
That particular morning, I had no intention of lingering or ogling at the products, I was going to buy my paint brush, find out how to maintain it, and then get out.
As it turned out, I spent an hour and a half in the hardware store.
I got to talking to a very kind and elderly sales person who took pride in giving me a few lessons on how to clean a paint brush. He deliberately called out to me and engaged me in conversation. He was thinking that perhaps being a woman, I didn’t know much about painting brushes and how to clean them. He was right of course.
Let’s call him Mr. DIY.
First thing to remember, Mr. DIY says, is that the method of cleaning a paint brush depends on what type of paint you use. If the paint is oil-based, it is recommended to rinse the brush in turpentine or oil or in warm water mixed with a little amount of thinner or mineral spirits. If it is a water-based paint, lukewarm water and soap should do the job.
And if it’s shellac, use denatured alcohol, Mr. DIY said.
Consult the manufacturer’s instructions which are included in the can of paint and see if they provide guidelines for cleaning paint brushes. Some manufacturers do.
But even before you clean the brush, Mr. DIY said, it’s a good idea to remove any excess paint from the brush by using soft tissue or a non-abrasive cloth. Gently run your fingers through the bristles. Keep repeating this step until all excess paint has disappeared. What you should never do, Mr. DIY warned, is to pull too hard on the bristles as they might get detached from the ferrule and come loose.
Use mild soap (not dishwashing detergent) and lukewarm water which you put in a coffee container. Hot water can deform the brush. Turn the brush several times in the container, making sure the ends do not touch the bottom. Rinse and repeat a few times. Make sure there are no residues or traces of paint remaining on the brush. When you repeat, change the water as well. The water must always be fresh.
After rinsing, use your hands to bring the hairs of the brush back to shape but use gentle movements. Do not shake the brush to get rid of excess water. You can wrap them in toilet paper while they’re still damp, if you wish. Do not however store them while they’re still damp.
Paint brushes must be left to dry at room temperature, Mr. DIY said. They must be standing at the back of the handle.
Mr. DIY added that if you’re not sure of the toxicity of the paints you used, clean your paint brushes by wearing gloves. This way you prevent your skin from getting into direct contact with the chemicals.
Tips on Cleaning a Paint Brush
Mr. DIY smiled and then asked if I wanted to know a few secrets. Sure, I said, trying to match his enthusiasm. Lunch will have to wait.
People have the mistaken notion that if they soak the brush in water, the paint will come off more easily. Wrong, Mr. DIY said frowning. That’s one thing you should never do – leave a paint brush to soak in water. This leads to the follicles absorbing the liquid.
While leaving it in water is a big no-no, rinsing it several times is good practice. This way you ensure that all traces of paint are gone. If you notice that your brush loses its original shape, dip it for a few seconds in hot (not boiling) water – if it’s a synthetic brush. Don’t let the ferrules get wet when you dip your paint brush.
When you’re done painting, spin the brush or twirl it in an empty container to shake off excess paint, but never strike it against anything. If you strike a brush to try to get some of the paint out, you run the risk of destroying the ferrule. The hairs can then fall out, causing the brush to get out of shape.
Soap and warm water are all what you need to clean your paint brush but if it’s a natural bristle brush, you may want to use a good shampoo. This will bring back the “oomph” to your brush.
As for storing paint brushes, Mr. DIY said that if you still have the original package, use it to store your paint brush. If you’ve thrown it away, wrap your paint brush in Manila paper (or brown paper) and then seal the ends with tape. But do this only when the brush is completely dry. The brush can then be laid flat or hung by the handle (some brushes have a hole near the tip of the handle for hanging.
One more tip, Mr. DIY said. If you’re just taking a break from your painting job and will use the paint brush again in an hour, take off all excess paint from the brush using either an old newspaper or a soft kitchen towel. Then wrap it in cling wrap to avoid moisture from getting in, which can harden the bristles.
Before I left the hardware store, I asked Mr. DIY if he used to be a professional painter; he seemed very knowledgeable about how to clean paint brushes. Oh no, he said. I just collect them. They all hang on a wall in my basement. Some people collect stamps, others collect matches. I collect paint brushes!
I’ve never met anyone who had all this enthusiasm about cleaning paint brushes!
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