How to Clean Oil Paint Brushes Between Colors In 3 Steps

Contents

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

• Artist-Grade Brush Cleaner
• Lint-Free Rags
• Mild Soap
• Clean Water

Step 2: Clean The Brush

• Wipe Off Excess Paint
• Use Brush Cleaner
• Rinse With Water
• Repeat If Necessary

Step 3: Dry and Store The Brush

• Use Rag to Dry
• Reshape Bristles
• Store Brush Horizontally

If you've ever wondered how to keep your oil paint brushes in excellent condition between color changes, you're in the right place. In this blog, we'll walk through a simple, three-step process for cleaning oil brushes between colors that will ensure your brushes stay fresh, ready for your next masterpiece.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you begin the process of cleaning oil brushes between colors, it's important to gather all the necessary materials to ensure a smooth and effective cleaning process. Let's delve into what you'll need.

Artist-Grade Brush Cleaner

First on the list is an artist-grade brush cleaner. This is a special type of cleaning solution designed specifically for removing oil paint from brushes. It’s more effective than regular soap and water, and it's gentle on the bristles, helping to prolong their lifespan. You can find this at your local art supply store or online.

Lint-Free Rags

Next, you'll need some lint-free rags. These are great for wiping off excess paint and drying your brush after cleaning. The reason we opt for lint-free is to avoid leaving any residue on your brush that could mix with your paint and disrupt your artwork.

Mild Soap

Mild soap is another key player in the process of cleaning oil brushes between colors. This is what we'll use to give your brushes a thorough clean after the initial paint removal with the brush cleaner. A gentle dish soap or hand soap will do the trick just fine.

Clean Water

And last but not least, you'll need clean water for rinsing your brushes. This helps to wash away any remaining soap and paint residue, leaving your brushes clean and ready for the next color. Make sure the water is lukewarm — not too hot, not too cold — for the best results.

Now that you've gathered your materials, it's time to move onto the next step in the process of cleaning oil brushes between colors.

Step 2: Clean The Brush

With your materials at the ready, let's dive into the actual process of cleaning oil brushes between colors. It's simpler than you might think!

Wipe Off Excess Paint

To start, gently use your lint-free rag to wipe off any excess paint from your brush. This will make the cleaning process easier and more efficient. Remember, the aim is to get as much paint off as possible before we introduce any cleaning solutions.

Use Brush Cleaner

Next, dip your brush into the artist-grade brush cleaner. Swirl it around gently to help loosen and remove the remaining paint particles. Don't be too harsh here – the goal is to clean the brush, not damage the bristles. After a good swirl, give it a moment to let the cleaner do its job. You might be surprised at how much paint comes off!

Rinse With Water

Once you've allowed the brush cleaner to work its magic, it's time to rinse the brush under lukewarm water. This will help wash away the cleaner and any remaining paint residue. Make sure all the soap is out — you don’t want any surprises when you start painting again!

Repeat If Necessary

If there's still paint visible on the brush after the first round of cleaning, don't worry. Simply repeat the cleaning process until the water runs clear. Remember, patience is a virtue when it comes to maintaining your brushes!

With your brush now clean, we're ready to move to the final step in the process of cleaning oil brushes between colors.

Step 3: Dry and Store The Brush

Now that your brush is squeaky clean, it's time for the final step: drying and storing your brush properly. This step is just as important as the cleaning itself, as it ensures your brushes stay in top shape for your next masterpiece.

Use Rag to Dry

Firstly, use another clean, lint-free rag to gently dry your brush. Don't rub too harshly, as this could damage the bristles. Instead, press the brush lightly against the rag and pull it towards you, mimicking the motion of painting. This helps keep the bristles smooth and straight.

Reshape Bristles

Once your brush is dry, it's time to reshape the bristles. Using your fingers, gently shape them back to their original form. This might seem like a small step, but it can make a big difference in the lifespan and effectiveness of your brushes.

Store Brush Horizontally

Lastly, when storing your brushes, it's best to lay them flat. This prevents the bristles from bending and keeps them in prime painting condition. If you can, store them in a manner that allows them to breathe and avoid any damp or humid locations to prevent mildew.

And there you have it! You've just learned the three-step process of cleaning oil brushes between colors. With these steps, your brushes will stay in great shape and ready for your next creative endeavor.

If you're looking to expand your knowledge on maintaining the quality of your colors while painting, check out the workshop 'Refreshing your Colours in Procreate' by Faira. This workshop will provide you with valuable tips on how to keep your colors fresh and clean, both in traditional oil painting and digital art platforms like Procreate.