Best Practices: Cleaning & Preserving Oil Brushes

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

When it comes to oil painting, the magic is in the bristles. They hold the paint, give you control, and translate your vision onto canvas. But to preserve this magic, it's essential to understand proper brush maintenance. This includes knowing how to clean your brushes post-painting and how to store them properly to maintain their shape and functionality. This blog will guide you through the best practices for cleaning and preserving brush bristles when cleaning oil brushes.

Get to Know Your Brushes

The first step to preserving brush bristles when cleaning oil brushes is understanding what you're working with. Brushes differ in type, anatomy, and function, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in your art — and in how you care for your tools.

Types of Brushes

Brushes come in a variety of types, each designed for a specific technique or effect. For instance, round brushes are fantastic for detail work, while flat brushes are great for bold, sweeping strokes. Fan brushes, on the other hand, are the go-to choice for blending and softening. It's not just about the shape though: the material of the bristles can also impact your artwork. Natural bristles like hog hair are perfect for oil paints because they can handle the heavy body of the paint. Synthetic bristles, while cheaper, tend not to hold up as well with oil paints and may deteriorate faster with regular cleaning.

Brush Anatomy

Knowing your brush inside and out is key to preserving its bristles. The anatomy of a brush includes the bristles, the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles in place), the crimp (where the ferrule meets the handle), and the handle itself. When cleaning, you must be mindful of each part. For example, water should never reach the ferrule as it can rust and loosen the bristles. Moreover, harsh cleaning can damage the crimp, causing the handle and the ferrule to separate.

Choosing the Right Brush

With so many options out there, choosing the right brush can feel daunting. However, remember that the brush you choose needs to match your artistic goals. If you're painting a detailed portrait, you might want to lean towards round and filbert brushes. For broader strokes or backgrounds, flat and bright brushes might be more appropriate. And don't forget to consider the bristle material! Remember, natural bristles usually work better for oil paints and can withstand the cleaning process better, aiding in preserving brush bristles.

Cleaning Your Brushes Post-Painting

Now that you've got the perfect brush and created your masterpiece, it's time to clean up. Proper cleaning is vital for preserving brush bristles when cleaning oil brushes. Let's walk through the process step-by-step, discuss some do's and don'ts, and explore the products that can help you along the way.

Step-by-Step Guide

Wipe off the excess paint from your brush using a rag or paper towel. This makes the deep cleaning process easier.
Swish the brush in a container filled with a brush cleaner or mild soap. Be gentle so you don't damage the bristles.
Rinse the brush under lukewarm water. Hot water can damage both the bristles and the glue holding them in place.
Use your fingers to gently reshape the brush head to its original form.
Lay the brush flat to dry. Never dry brushes standing up as water can seep into the ferrule and cause rusting.

Do's and Don'ts

Do clean your brushes immediately after use. Dried paint is much harder to remove and can damage the bristles.
Don't use harsh chemicals or detergents. These can break down the glue in the ferrule and lead to bristle loss.
Do be gentle when cleaning your brushes. Aggressive scrubbing can cause the bristles to fray and lose their shape.
Don't let your brushes soak in water or cleaner for prolonged periods. This can warp the handle and loosen the bristles.

Products to Use

There are many brush cleaning products on the market, but two stand out for their effectiveness and gentleness — "The Masters" Brush Cleaner and Preserver and Winsor & Newton's Brush Cleaner and Restorer. These products are designed specifically for artists' brushes and can help extend the life of your brushes by effectively cleaning and conditioning the bristles. Remember, investing in proper cleaning products is essential for preserving brush bristles when cleaning oil brushes.

Preserving Your Brushes

Preserving brush bristles when cleaning oil brushes isn't just about the cleaning process. How you store and care for your brushes between painting sessions can also make a big difference. Let's dive into some best practices for brush preservation.

Store Them Well

Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your brushes. Store your brushes horizontally in a protective case to prevent any damage to the bristles. When traveling, consider a hard-shell brush case to shield your brushes from potential harm. Also, don't crowd your brushes. Each one should have its own slot, so the bristles aren't rubbing against each other.

Keep Them Dry

Water is the enemy of brush longevity. After cleaning, always dry your brushes flat to prevent water from seeping into the ferrule. Once dry, store them in a dry place. Humidity can cause the wooden handles to swell and crack, and can also lead to mold growth. So, you might want to think twice before storing your brushes in that damp basement art studio.

Maintain Their Shape

After each cleaning, take a moment to reshape the brush head. This helps the brush maintain its original form and ensures even application of paint in future uses. For brushes that have lost their shape, consider using a brush conditioner, like the Bristle Magic Paint Brush Rejuvenator. It not only restores the bristles' shape but also conditions them, making them softer and more responsive.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even when you're diligent about cleaning and preserving brush bristles when cleaning oil brushes, you might still face some common issues. Don't fret—these are usually easy to fix with the right knowledge and tools.

Dealing with Dried Paint

Finding dried paint on your brushes is like discovering a forgotten candy wrapper in your pocket—except less sweet. Using a paint solvent like Gamsol can dissolve the dried paint, followed by a thorough cleaning with soap. Remember to reshape the bristles before storing the brush.

Reviving Old Brushes

Old brushes aren't necessarily bad brushes. Sometimes, they just need a little TLC. Soak the bristles in a brush restorer like Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner and Restorer to remove old paint and restore flexibility. After a good soak, wash and reshape the brush as usual.

Handling Frayed Bristles

If your brush looks like it just rolled out of bed—bristles pointing in every direction—you've got a case of frayed bristles. Using a brush conditioner like The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver can help tame the wild bristles. Remember, it's normal for brushes to show signs of use. However, if the fraying is severe, it's time to retire the brush and invest in a new one.

Invest in Quality Materials

When it comes to preserving brush bristles when cleaning oil brushes, your materials play a big role. Investing in quality brushes and cleaning products can save you a lot of hassle (and money) in the long run.

Why Quality Matters

Quality brushes have better durability and resilience. They can withstand repeated cleaning without losing their shape or strength. Plus, they hold and distribute paint more evenly, giving you better control over your art. So, while they might cost a bit more upfront, they more than make up for it with their performance and longevity.

Recommended Brands

Brands like Winsor & Newton, Da Vinci, and Escoda are renowned for their high-quality brushes, made with top-notch materials and craftsmanship. For cleaning and preserving your brushes, products from The Masters and Gamsol are widely praised by artists.

Products Worth the Investment

Apart from brushes, investing in a good brush cleaner and preserver is a must. The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver is a popular choice for its ability to clean and condition brushes in one go. A good quality palette knife for mixing paint can also help preserve your brushes by reducing direct contact with harsh pigments.

If you're interested in exploring alternative painting techniques while keeping your oil brushes clean and in good condition, check out the workshop called 'Creating Abstract Paintings Using Common Household Items' by Noah Ennis. This workshop will show you how to create unique abstract paintings with everyday items, allowing you to preserve your oil brushes and expand your artistic horizons.