3 Steps to Clean Synthetic Oil Brushes Effectively
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 4 min read

Contents

Step 1: Know Your Brush

Step 2: Cleaning the Brush

Step 3: Drying and Storing

Painting is a joy, but cleaning synthetic oil brushes afterwards can feel like an uphill battle. Whether you're an artist just starting out or a seasoned professional, this guide will arm you with the knowledge and practical steps to ensure your brushes stay in top shape. By the end of this blog, you'll be able to clean your brushes effectively, prolong their lifespan, and keep your artistic flow uninterrupted. After all, a well-maintained brush is a happy brush!

Step 1: Know Your Brush

Before we delve into cleaning, it's important to understand your synthetic oil brushes. Just like you wouldn't drive a car without understanding its basics, you shouldn't handle your brushes without knowing their material, bristle type, and shape. Each of these factors influences the cleaning process and how well your brushes hold up over time.

Recognize the Material

Synthetic brushes are typically made from nylon or polyester. Unlike natural hair brushes, synthetic brushes aren't too fussy about the cleaning solutions you use. However, they still appreciate a gentle touch. So when you're cleaning synthetic oil brushes, go easy on them and avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the bristles.

Understand the Bristles

The bristles on your synthetic brush may be stiff, medium, or soft. Stiff bristles are resilient and good at handling heavy-bodied paints, while soft bristles are perfect for detail work and smoother paint applications. Medium bristles offer a balance between the two. Knowing the stiffness of your brush's bristles can help you determine how much cleaning solution to use and how vigorously to clean.

Familiarize with Brush Shapes

Different shapes cater to different painting techniques and styles. Flat brushes, round brushes, filbert brushes, and fan brushes are just a few examples. Flats are versatile, rounds are perfect for detailing, filberts blend well, and fan brushes work wonders for effects and textures. When cleaning synthetic oil brushes, understanding their shape and purpose can help you ensure they're thoroughly clean and ready for your next masterpiece.

Step 2: Cleaning the Brush

Now that we understand our brushes a bit better, we can get down to the business of cleaning synthetic oil brushes. This process involves three main steps: using a brush cleaning solution, rinsing with warm water, and wiping off the excess. Let's take a closer look at each of these steps.

Use a Brush Cleaning Solution

First, invest in a good quality brush cleaning solution. There are many options available, like Winsor & Newton's Brush Cleaner & Restorer or even a simple dish soap. When using the solution, ensure you don't dip your brush more than halfway up the bristles to avoid damaging the ferrule—the metal part that holds the bristles together. Gently swirl the brush in the solution to loosen the paint.

Rinse with Warm Water

After using the cleaning solution, it's time for a rinse. Use warm—not hot—water to rinse your brushes. Hot water can cause the glue holding the bristles to loosen, leading to a balding brush. We don't want that, do we? Rinse until the water runs clear, indicating that all the paint has been removed.

Wipe Off the Excess

Once you've rinsed your brush, gently squeeze the bristles from the ferrule down to the tip to remove excess water. Use a clean cloth or paper towel for this. Remember, be gentle! Rough handling can cause the bristles to fray and lose their shape. Now your brush is clean and ready for the final step: drying and storing.

Step 3: Drying and Storing

Well done! You've got a clean brush. But wait, we're not done yet. How you dry and store your brush is equally important in the process of cleaning synthetic oil brushes. Let's walk through it.

Dry Brushes Properly

After washing and wiping, it's time to dry the brush. Lay it flat on a dry towel to prevent water from seeping into the ferrule. Alternatively, you can hang them upside down. This also helps maintain the shape of the bristles. But remember, never stand your brushes upright to dry. That's a surefire way to ruin a good brush.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Once your brushes are completely dry, store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid places with high humidity, like your bathroom, as it can cause the bristles to go moldy. A simple drawer or a specialized brush box like the Loew-Cornell Brush Tubz works well.

Maintain Brush Shape

Lastly, let's talk about maintaining the shape of your brush. Use a brush preserver, such as The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver, to keep your bristles in good condition. Simply wet your brush, swirl it in the preserver, and shape the bristles before storing. This will keep them pointy and ready for your next masterpiece!

And there you have it—the complete guide to cleaning synthetic oil brushes. With these steps in your toolkit, your brushes will thank you, and your artwork will too. Happy painting!

If you're exploring new ways to get creative with painting, don't miss the workshop 'Creating Abstract Paintings Using Common Household Items' by Noah Ennis. This workshop will teach you how to create unique and eye-catching abstract paintings using everyday items found in your home. Expand your artistic horizons and discover new techniques to keep your brushes clean and ready for your next masterpiece.