Clean Oil Brushes: Step-by-Step Guide with Turpentine

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 5 min read

Brushing up on your painting skills but struggling to keep your equipment in top shape? You're not alone. The task of cleaning oil brushes with turpentine can seem daunting, especially when thick, stubborn paint refuses to budge. Fear not! With this step-by-step guide, you'll master the art of maintaining your brushes, ensuring they're always ready for your next masterpiece.

Gather the Necessary Materials

Before you dive into the cleaning process, you'll need to gather some basic materials. Don't worry, nothing too fancy or hard to find. Just three simple things: oil brushes, turpentine, and cleaning rags.

Oil Brushes

First things first, you'll need your oil brushes. These could be the ones you've just used for a project or old brushes that need reviving. The process works for all types, so don't hesitate to bring out those bristle or synthetic ones hiding at the bottom of your art box.

Turpentine

Next in line is turpentine, the star of our cleaning process. Widely used by artists, turpentine is a tried-and-true solvent for oil paints. Just a small bottle will do the job. Remember, while turpentine is great for cleaning oil brushes, it's also pretty strong stuff, so handle with care.

Cleaning Rags

Last but not least, you'll need cleaning rags. These will come in handy when you need to wipe off excess paint and turpentine from the brushes. Old t-shirts or towels work perfectly fine for this. Recycling is not just good for the environment, but also for your brushes—talk about a win-win!

Now that you've got your materials ready, you're all set to begin cleaning your oil brushes with turpentine. Let's get started!

Prepare Your Cleaning Area

Just like a chef setting up their kitchen before cooking, it's important to prepare your cleaning area before delving into the process of cleaning oil brushes with turpentine. This keeps you organized and ensures safety while handling turpentine.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Turpentine has a strong smell that can be overwhelming in a closed-off space. So, the first step in setting up your cleaning area is to ensure proper ventilation. Open a window or two, turn on a fan—whatever works to keep the air circulating. This step is not just for your comfort but also for your health!

Wear Protective Clothing

Next, make sure to wear protective clothing. While turpentine isn't highly corrosive, it can still cause skin irritation. An old long-sleeve shirt and a pair of gloves can go a long way in protecting your skin. And who knows? The shirt might even end up being your next canvas!

Prepare a Cleaning Basin

Finally, prepare a cleaning basin to hold the turpentine and the brushes. This could be an old bowl or a small bucket—anything that's deep enough to fully submerge the bristles of the brushes. And remember, turpentine can damage plastic, so opt for a glass or metal container if possible.

With your area now ready, you're one step closer to achieving squeaky-clean oil brushes. Let's move on to the actual cleaning process, shall we?

Start the Cleaning Process

Alright, you've set up your cleaning area—now comes the fun part. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of cleaning oil brushes with turpentine. With each step, you'll see your oil brushes transform from color-streaked and hardened to soft and as good as new.

Dip Brushes in Turpentine

Start by fully immersing your oil brushes into the basin filled with turpentine. Make sure the bristles are completely covered—think of it as giving your brushes a nice, deep soak. This helps to loosen up the dried oil paint. Leave them to soak for a few minutes. Don't rush this process; good things take time!

Wipe off Excess Paint

After the brushes have soaked, it's time to wipe off the excess paint. Gently press the bristles against the side of the basin to remove any loose paint. Then, use a cleaning rag to gently wipe from the ferrule (the metal part) down to the tip of the bristles. Remember, be gentle! You don't want to damage the bristles.

Rinse Brushes

Next, rinse your brushes under warm running water. This will help remove any leftover paint and turpentine. Be sure to adjust the temperature—too hot, and you might damage the bristles, too cold, and the oil paint might not come off completely. Sounds like Goldilocks, doesn't it? But finding that "just right" temperature is key in this step.

Alright, your brushes are now free of most of the paint. But we're not done yet! Let's proceed to the final cleanse.

Do a Final Cleanse

Well done, you're halfway there! Now that you've done the initial cleaning, it's time to give your brushes a thorough cleanse. This is like the spa day of your brushes, where they get to shake off all the residual stress—err, paint!

Use Soap and Water

First, you'll want to use a mild soap—dish soap works great—and warm water to give your brushes a final scrub. Make sure to lather up the soap in your hand and then gently swirl the brush around. This not only helps to remove any remaining paint but also conditions the bristles, keeping them soft and flexible. Remember, the goal is to bring back the life to your brushes, not to scrub them into oblivion!

Dry Your Brushes

Once your brushes are squeaky clean, it's time to dry them. But hold on, you can't just leave them in a heap on a towel. Instead, gently squeeze out the excess water from the brushes, then lay them flat on a clean towel to dry. Why flat, you ask? Well, if you were to stand them upright, water would seep into the ferrule (the metal part), causing the glue to loosen and the bristles to eventually fall out. Not a pretty sight, right?

Great job! Your brushes are now clean and dry. But wait, there's one more step left to ensure your brushes stay in top shape.

Store Your Brushes Properly

You've put in the effort with cleaning oil brushes with turpentine and doing a thorough final cleanse. Now, let's make sure you store them correctly to prolong their lifespan and keep them ready for your next masterpiece.

Shape the Bristles

Before you put away your brushes, take a moment to shape the bristles. This means gently reshaping them to their original form using your fingers. This step helps to maintain their design, ensuring you get consistent results every time you paint. It's like giving your brushes a goodnight kiss, promising them you'll meet again soon!

Upright Storage

Finally, we're at the last step—storing your brushes. Always store your brushes upright, with the bristles facing up. You can use a jar or a brush holder for this. Why upright? This prevents the bristles from getting squished and losing their shape. Plus, it helps any leftover moisture to evaporate properly, avoiding any potential damage to the brushes. Remember, your brushes are your warriors in the battle of creativity. Treat them well, and they'll serve you faithfully for many battles to come!

And there you have it, a step-by-step guide to cleaning oil brushes with turpentine, followed by a thorough final cleanse and proper storage. Now, go on and create your next masterpiece with your happy, healthy brushes!

If you're interested in exploring alternative painting techniques that don't require oil brushes or turpentine, consider checking out the workshop titled 'Creating Abstract Paintings Using Common Household Items' by Noah Ennis. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning abstract art using everyday items, allowing you to experiment with new methods and materials without the hassle of cleaning oil brushes.