10 Practical Tips for Cleaning Your Oil Paint Brushes

Published on 10 July 2023 8 min read

4. Repeat Process if Necessary

9. Clean Dried Paint with Special Products

There's a certain charm to using oil paints in your artwork. The rich, vibrant colors, the texture, and the depth they bring to your canvas—it's all part of the magic. But, as every artist knows, creating art is only half the battle. Maintaining your tools, particularly your brushes, is equally important. Today, we're going to share the best practices for cleaning oil brushes. These simple yet effective tips will help you maximize the lifespan of your brushes and ensure you're ready to create your next masterpiece.

1. Wipe Off Excess Paint

The first step in the best practices for cleaning oil brushes is to wipe off excess paint. It may sound obvious, but too many artists skip this step, leading to a buildup of oil paint in their bristles over time. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing it right:

Grab a tissue or a rag: You need something absorbent to wipe off the extra paint. An old rag, a paper towel, or even an old newspaper can do the trick.
Wipe gently: Hold your brush from the handle and gently wipe the bristles on the tissue or rag. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, or you could damage the bristles.
Work from ferrule to tip: Always remember to wipe in the direction of the bristles—from the ferrule to the tip. This helps preserve the shape of your brush.

Getting rid of that extra paint not only makes the subsequent cleaning process easier but also prevents the buildup of dried paint in your brush. So, next time you're done painting, take a moment to wipe off the excess—it's the first step towards adopting the best practices for cleaning oil brushes.

2. Rinse Brush in Turpentine

Once you've wiped off the excess paint, it's time to give your brush a good rinse. For this, we turn to an artist's best friend—turpentine. Turpentine is a solvent that breaks down the oil in the paint, making it easier to clean off. Here's how to do it:

Get a jar of turpentine: You don't need a lot, just enough to cover the bristles of your brush.
Swirl your brush around: Dip your brush into the turpentine and gently swirl it around. This helps dislodge the paint particles from the bristles.
Don't forget the base: Many artists focus only on the tips of the bristles, but it's important to clean the base too. After all, paint can accumulate there just as easily.

Remember, turpentine is strong stuff, so make sure to work in a well-ventilated area and avoid contact with your skin. After your brush has had a good swirl in the turpentine, you should see the remaining paint starting to come off. That's when you know you're nailing the best practices for cleaning oil brushes.

3. Use Soap and Water

After you've given your brush a good rinse in turpentine, it's time for the next step—soap and water. Yes, that's right, the same stuff you use to wash your hands can also help clean your oil paint brushes. Here's how to use this dynamic duo:

Select the right soap: Not all soaps are created equal when it comes to cleaning oil brushes. A mild, non-detergent soap is the way to go. Some artists swear by specific brands like "The Masters" Brush Cleaner, but any mild soap should do the trick.
Work up a lather: Wet your brush and then work up a good lather with the soap. Don't be shy—get those bristles nice and soapy. This will help break down any remaining oil paint.
Rinse and repeat: Now rinse your brush under warm water. If the water runs clear, great job! If not, go back to the soap and repeat the process.

Cleaning your oil brushes with soap and water may seem basic but it's a key part of the best practices for cleaning oil brushes. Remember, cleanliness is next to creativity—or something like that!

4. Repeat Process if Necessary

So you've scrubbed, rinsed, and still see paint on your brush? Don't fret, just repeat. The beauty of these best practices for cleaning oil brushes is that they can be repeated as often as needed. Here's how you can get the most out of your repeat cleaning:

Inspect the bristles: Hold your brush up to a light source and look closely. If you see any remaining paint, it's back to the cleaning station for another round.
Repeat with patience: Cleaning oil brushes can take time, especially when it comes to stubborn paint. Just remember, a clean brush is a happy brush, and patience is indeed a virtue in this scenario.
Check the ferrule: This is the metal part of the brush holding the bristles in place. Paint often hides here, so give it a good check. If necessary, gently scrub with a toothbrush.

Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day and your oil brushes won't be squeaky clean after just one wash. But stick with it, because maintaining clean brushes is a key part of the best practices for cleaning oil brushes. And as with any good practice, repetition is often the key to success.

5. Reshape Bristles

Got your brushes clean? Great job! But before you put them away, there's one more step. It's time to reshape your bristles. This is a small but mighty step in our guide to best practices for cleaning oil brushes. Let's dive in:

Why reshape? Reshaping helps your brushes maintain their original shape and function. After all, a flat brush should stay flat, and a round brush should stay round, right?
How to reshape: It's simple! Just use your fingers to gently mold the bristles back into their original shape. Remember to be gentle, bristles are sensitive and can be damaged with rough handling.
Extra tip: You can also use a brush conditioner or soap to help reshape your brushes. Just apply a little to your cleaned, damp brush and shape as usual.

And voila! You've just reshaped your brush. Not only does it feel good to see your brushes in their original form, but it also sets you up for success in your next painting session. Remember, keeping your brushes in good form is a key part of the best practices for cleaning oil brushes. Happy reshaping!

6. Dry Brushes Properly

So you've cleaned and reshaped your brushes, but we're not done yet. The next step in our guide to the best practices for cleaning oil brushes is proper drying. Let's see why it matters and how to do it.

Why is proper drying important? Drying your brushes correctly prevents water damage to the bristles and handles, and helps maintain their shape. A properly dried brush is a happy brush!
How to dry your brushes: First, gently squeeze out any excess water. Then, lay your brushes flat on a clean towel and let them air dry. Why flat? Drying brushes upright can cause water to seep into the handle and damage the glue that holds the bristles in place. Not what we want, right?
Extra tip: If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the drying process by using a hair dryer on the lowest setting. Just make sure to keep the dryer a good distance away to avoid overheating the bristles.

And there you have it! You've properly dried your brushes, another crucial step in the best practices for cleaning oil brushes. Remember, a little extra time spent on drying can add years to your brushes' lives. Happy drying!

7. Store Brushes Correctly

Now that your brushes are clean and dry, it's time to store them. You might be thinking, "Store them? Isn't that just tossing them in a drawer?" Not quite. Let's dive into the best practices for storing oil brushes.

Why proper storage matters: Correct storage preserves the shape of your brushes and prevents damage to the bristles. Treat them well, and they'll return the favor when you're creating your next masterpiece.
How to store your brushes: Brushes should be stored horizontally in a protective case or drawer. This helps maintain the shape of the bristles and protects them from dust. If you must store them vertically, ensure the bristles point upwards to prevent any bending or splaying.
Extra tip: Avoid storing brushes in airtight containers. Brushes need to breathe, just like us! A container that allows airflow will prevent the buildup of any residual moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew. No one wants that, right?

And there you have it — the lowdown on storing your brushes. Remember, proper storage is a key part of the best practices for cleaning oil brushes. Your brushes are like your friends; treat them right, and they'll always be there when you need them. Happy storing!

8. Avoid Soaking Brushes

It might be tempting to let your brushes soak for a bit after a long day of painting. But hold on! Let's explore why this isn't one of the best practices for cleaning oil brushes.

Why soaking isn't ideal: Soaking your brushes can cause the bristles to become too soft and lose their shape. The ferrule — that's the metal part holding the bristles in place — can also rust if it stays wet for too long.
What to do instead: Rather than soaking, aim for a quick rinse in turpentine or a similar solvent. This will help remove most of the paint without damaging the brush.
Extra tip: If your brush is deeply stained with oil paint that won't come off with a quick rinse, don't resort to soaking. We'll cover what to do in those situations in the next section.

So remember, friends, no soaking! It might seem like a quick fix, but it's not a friend to your brushes in the long run. Remember, proper care is key to keeping your brushes ready and raring for your next painting session.

9. Clean Dried Paint with Special Products

Let's face it, we can't always clean our brushes right after using them. Sometimes, life happens, and we come back to find dried paint clinging to our beloved brushes. But don't despair! There's a solution for that too, and it's part of the best practices for cleaning oil brushes. Here's what you can do:

Brush Cleaners: Specific products like "The Masters" Brush Cleaner and Preserver can work wonders on dried-on paint. Apply a little of the product on the bristles, work it in with your fingers, and rinse. You might be amazed at how the dried paint breaks down.
Brush Restorer: For those really stubborn, dried-on oil paints, a brush restorer like Winsor & Newton's can be a lifesaver. Note: This should be used sparingly and only for those "last resort" situations. This product is stronger than your typical cleaner and can potentially harm your brushes if used too frequently.

Remember, your brushes are like your partners in creating beautiful artwork. Even if they get a bit messy, there's always a way to bring them back to their former glory. So, next time you face a dried-paint disaster, don't panic! With the right products and a little patience, your brushes will be ready for action once more.

10. Use Brush Conditioners

Picture this: You've spent hours painting a masterpiece. Your brushes have worked hard, and now they're clean. But, are they really ready for your next creative burst? Here's where a little extra love for your tools comes in handy — brush conditioners.

Just like the conditioner you use for your hair, brush conditioners add a layer of protection and restore the softness to the bristles of your brushes. They can extend the life of your brushes and keep them in tip-top shape, especially after a heavy painting session. This is definitely a best practice for cleaning oil brushes that you won't want to miss.

General's Brush Conditioner: This product not only cleans your brushes but also conditions them, leaving the bristles soft and pliable. It's like a spa treatment for your brushes!
Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner and Restorer: This is a two-in-one product that cleans and conditions your brushes. It's a great option if you want to save some time and still provide your brushes with the care they deserve.

So, why not give your brushes a little extra TLC? Trust me, your brushes — and your artwork — will thank you for it. Remember, when it comes to best practices for cleaning oil brushes, it's not just about cleaning them, but also about maintaining their condition for future use.

If you're looking for new ways to utilize your freshly cleaned oil paint brushes, consider exploring the workshop 'Creating Abstract Paintings Using Common Household Items' by Noah Ennis. This workshop will teach you innovative techniques to create stunning abstract paintings using items you already have at home. Expand your artistic horizons and make the most of your brushes!