5 Oil Paint Brush Cleaning Techniques to Know

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

It's no secret that maintaining your oil paint brushes can make a significant difference in the quality of your artwork. A well-kept brush can distribute paint smoothly on your canvas, while a neglected one can ruin your masterpiece. This blog post will introduce you to five essential oil paint brush cleaning techniques that can help prolong the life of your brushes and keep them in top shape. We'll start with the basics and gradually delve into some more advanced methods. So whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, read on to discover how you can optimize your art supplies.

1. Use Artist's Soap

One of the simplest and most effective oil paint brush cleaning techniques involves using artist's soap. This method is particularly popular because of its simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness.

Choosing the Right Soap

Not all soaps are created equal when it comes to cleaning oil paint brushes. For this task, you need a soap designed specifically for artists, like the General Pencil Company's The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver. This product is effective at removing oil paint, and it's safe for your brushes.

How to Use Soap Properly

When using soap to clean your brushes, remember these steps:

First, rinse your brush under warm water to remove as much paint as possible.
Next, swirl your brush in the artist's soap until it lathers.
Work the soap into the bristles of the brush, making sure to reach the base.
Rinse the brush, and repeat the process until the water runs clear.
Finally, reshape the brush and let it dry horizontally.

Remember, consistency is key. The more regularly you clean your brushes, the easier the process will be.

Benefits of Using Soap

Using soap has numerous advantages. It's not only effective at removing stubborn oil paint, but it also conditions your brushes, keeping the bristles soft and pliable. Plus, it's a budget-friendly option — a single tub of artist's soap can last a long time. So, if you're serious about mastering oil paint brush cleaning techniques, investing in a good artist's soap is a smart move.

2. Try a Brush Cleaner

While artist's soap is a reliable choice, you might want to consider using a dedicated brush cleaner for a more thorough clean. Brush cleaners are specially formulated to remove oil paint, making them a valuable addition to your art supplies.

Identifying the Appropriate Cleaner

When choosing a brush cleaner, it's important to pick one that's safe for your brushes. For instance, the Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner and Restorer is a popular choice among artists because it's free from harsh chemicals and won't damage your brushes. It's also highly effective at breaking down oil paint, even if it has dried onto the bristles.

Applying the Brush Cleaner

Applying a brush cleaner is straightforward. Here's how you do it:

First, rinse your brush in warm water to remove as much excess paint as possible.
Then, dip the brush into the cleaner and work it into the bristles. Be sure to reach the base of the brush.
Leave the brush in the cleaner for a few minutes to let it work its magic.
Rinse the brush thoroughly to remove all the cleaner and dislodged paint.
Finally, reshape the brush and let it dry horizontally.

Remember, while brush cleaner is effective, it shouldn't replace regular cleaning with soap. Think of it as a deep-cleaning treatment for your brushes.

Advantages of Brush Cleaners

What makes brush cleaners one of the best oil paint brush cleaning techniques? Well, they're excellent at removing stubborn, dried-on paint, which can be difficult to remove with soap alone. Plus, they can help restore old, hardened brushes, giving them a new lease on life. So, if you've got some neglected brushes lying around, a brush cleaner might be just what you need.

3. Experiment with Oil Soaps

While it might seem a bit unorthodox, oil soaps can actually work wonders when it comes to cleaning oil paint brushes. They're gentle on the bristles, yet tough on the paint, striking the perfect balance.

Selecting an Oil Soap

When it comes to oil soaps, one brand stands out - Murphy's Oil Soap. It's a favorite among artists for its gentle, yet effective cleaning power. It's non-toxic, biodegradable, and doesn't contain any harsh chemicals, making it a safe choice for your brushes and the environment.

Using Oil Soap Effectively

Using oil soap to clean your brushes is a breeze. Here are the steps:

First, rinse your brush in warm water to remove as much paint as possible.
Next, pour a little oil soap into a cup or jar.
Swirl your brush in the soap, making sure to work it into the bristles.
Let the brush sit in the soap for a few minutes to dissolve the paint.
Rinse the brush thoroughly, reshape it, and let it dry horizontally.

One of the great things about oil soap is that it conditions the bristles as it cleans, keeping your brushes in top shape.

Benefits of Oil Soaps

Oil soaps are not just effective cleaners, they are also excellent conditioners for your brushes. They can help prolong the lifespan of your brushes by keeping the bristles soft and flexible. And let's not forget, they're a more eco-friendly option compared to some other cleaning agents. So if you're looking for an oil paint brush cleaning technique that's effective, gentle, and environmentally friendly, you might want to give oil soaps a try.

4. Utilize Brush Conditioners

It's no secret that brushes can take a beating during a painting session. Just like your hair needs conditioner, so do your brushes. Brush conditioners can help restore, protect, and prolong the life of your brushes.

Picking a Brush Conditioner

There's a variety of brush conditioners available out there, but one particularly popular choice among artists is the "General’s The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver". This conditioner does a fantastic job at reconditioning, restoring and keeping your brushes like new. It works on all types of brushes and is safe to use even on the most delicate natural hairs.

Applying Brush Conditioner

Applying a brush conditioner is simple:

First, clean your brush as you usually would to remove any paint.
Next, apply the conditioner to the bristles of the brush.
Work the conditioner into the brush, much like you would with shampoo and your hair.
Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes to let it work its magic.
Rinse out the conditioner, reshape the brush, and let it dry flat.

Don't forget, a well-cared-for brush will not only perform better but also last longer. It's a win-win.

Pros of Using Conditioners

Brush conditioners offer a host of benefits. They help to maintain the shape of your brushes, keep the bristles soft, and extend their lifespan. In the long run, using a conditioner could save you money by reducing the need for replacement brushes. Plus, a well-conditioned brush can help you achieve smoother and more even strokes, improving the overall quality of your work. So why not give your brushes the TLC they deserve?

5. Apply Linseed Oil

Finally, let's talk linseed oil. If you've been painting for a while, you probably have a bottle sitting around somewhere. Linseed oil, traditionally used as a medium in oil painting, can also be a secret weapon when it comes to oil paint brush cleaning techniques.

Selecting Linseed Oil

When it comes to choosing linseed oil, there's no one-size-fits-all. There's cold-pressed, alkali-refined, sun-bleached, and more. Each type has its own advantages, but for cleaning brushes, a refined linseed oil, like Winsor & Newton's Refined Linseed Oil, will do the job.

How to Use Linseed Oil

Using linseed oil to clean your brushes is quite straightforward:

First, remove as much paint from your brush as possible using a rag or paper towel.
Next, pour a small amount of linseed oil into a container. Dip your brush into the oil, making sure to cover all the bristles.
Work the oil into the brush using your fingers. This will help to break down any stubborn paint.
Finally, wipe the brush clean. Repeat the process if necessary until no more paint comes out.

Remember, linseed oil is slow-drying, so make sure to clean your brushes well after using it to avoid any residue hardening on your bristles.

Advantages of Linseed Oil

One of the biggest advantages of using linseed oil is that it's completely natural and non-toxic, making it a great choice for those who prefer eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Plus, it conditions your brushes as it cleans, leaving the bristles soft and pliable. If you've got some linseed oil lying around, why not give it a try?

And there you have it! Five oil paint brush cleaning techniques that can help keep your tools in top shape. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, these tips can help ensure your brushes last longer and perform better. Happy painting!

If you're looking to further enhance your painting skills, check out the workshop 'Improve Your Acrylic Painting Skills' by Rachel Christopoulos. This workshop is perfect for artists who want to take their acrylic painting techniques to the next level and apply those skills to their oil painting projects as well.