Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 5 min read

If you're an artist, chances are you've dealt with the tiresome task of cleaning oil brushes. But did you know that your cleaning method can greatly affect your brushes' lifespan and painting efficiency? Let's dive into some handy oil brush cleaning tips for a more efficient painting experience.

1. Pick the Right Brush Cleaning Solution

Before we start cleaning, it's important to pick the right solution. And to do that, you need to know your brush material and choose a cleaning solution accordingly.

Knowing Your Brush Material

Brushes can be made from various materials—natural hair, bristle, or synthetic. Natural hair brushes, like sable or hog, tend to be more delicate and require a gentle cleaning solution. On the other hand, synthetic brushes can handle stronger solutions. Knowing your brush material is the first step in choosing a suitable cleaning solution.

Choosing the Solution

Once you've identified your brush material, it's time to choose a cleaning solution. For natural brushes, a mild soap or a specific brush cleaner would work best. Synthetic brushes can handle stronger stuff—turpentine or white spirit can be effective. Remember, the goal is to remove oil paint without damaging the brush.

2. Understand the Cleaning Process

Now that you've picked the right cleaning solution, it's time to understand the cleaning process. Properly cleaning your oil brushes involves more than just dunking them in a solution and hoping for the best.

Dip, Don't Soak

When it comes to cleaning your oil brushes, the golden rule is to dip, not soak. Soaking can cause the ferrule—the metal part that holds the bristles—to rust, and it can also damage the handle. Instead, dip your brush into the cleaning solution and gently wipe it on a rag or paper towel until no more color comes off.

Gentle Circulation

After dipping, gently circulate your brush in the palm of your hand or against the bottom of your cleaning jar. This helps to loosen up the dried paint. But remember—be gentle! Too much pressure can damage the bristles.

Rinse and Repeat

Once you've circulated your brush in the cleaning solution, rinse it under warm (not hot) water. Then, repeat the dipping and circulating process until your brush is completely clean. This might take a few rounds, but it's worth it to maintain the quality of your brushes.

Understanding the cleaning process is a key oil brush cleaning tip. It's not just about removing the paint—it's about caring for your tools so they can continue to help you create beautiful artwork. Up next, let's talk about the proper way to dry your brushes.

3. Dry Your Brushes Properly

Once your brushes are clean, drying them the right way is the next step. Incorrect drying can lead to damaged bristles, making your brushes less effective and shortening their lifespan. Let's walk through some oil brush cleaning tips about proper drying.

Lay Flat to Dry

After rinsing, gently squeeze out any excess water from your brush and then lay it flat on a clean towel to dry. Why flat? If you stand brushes up to dry, water can seep into the ferrule, causing the glue to weaken and the bristles to fall out. So, remember: always lay flat.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

While it might be tempting to speed up the drying process by placing brushes in the sun, this can cause more harm than good. Direct sunlight can damage the bristles and fade the handle. Instead, opt for a cool, dry area with good air circulation.

Use Brush Guards

Brush guards are a great tool to help maintain the shape of your brushes while they dry. Simply slide a guard onto the brush after cleaning and leave it on until the brush is completely dry. If you don't have brush guards, you can also use a piece of clean, dry cloth, wrapping it around the bristles and securing it with a rubber band.

Correct drying is an often overlooked, but crucial part of oil brush cleaning tips. But proper cleaning and drying aren't the only ways to maintain your brushes—let's look at some additional maintenance tips next.

4. Maintain Your Brushes

A little maintenance goes a long way in preserving the lifespan of your brushes. Let's dive into some key maintenance strategies that can keep your brushes in top shape for longer.

Regular Cleaning

Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule is the first line of defense against damaged brushes. Don't wait until the paint has hardened on the bristles – clean your brushes after each use. This will not only keep the bristles in good condition but also ensure that your artwork remains unspoiled by old paint.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Where you store your brushes can impact their condition. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent the wood handles from warping and the bristles from becoming damaged. And remember: brushes stored on their side or bristles-up will last longer than those stored bristles-down.

Replace When Necessary

Even with the best care, brushes will eventually wear out. When you notice that a brush isn't performing as it should—perhaps the bristles are fraying, or it's losing hairs—it's time to replace it. Don't be sentimental; keeping a worn-out brush can cause more harm than good to your artwork.

Now that we've covered the basics of brush maintenance, let's look at some alternative cleaning methods. These oil brush cleaning tips can come in handy if you find yourself without a specialized cleaning solution.

5. Explore Alternative Cleaning Methods

When it comes to cleaning brushes, there's more than one way to do it. Let's take a look at some alternative oil brush cleaning tips that you can use when you're in a pinch or looking to mix things up.

Use of Dish Soap

Believe it or not, ordinary dish soap can do wonders for your brushes. Here's how you can use it:

First, rinse the brush in lukewarm water.
Next, swirl the brush in a dish of soap until it lathers up.
Finally, rinse the soap out and lay the brush flat to dry.

This method is easy, economical, and surprisingly effective!

Olive Oil Technique

Did you know that olive oil can also clean your brushes? It's true! Just dip your brush in a bit of oil, swirl it around, and then wipe it off with a paper towel. Not only does this method remove paint, but it also conditions the bristles! Who knew?

Baby Shampoo Method

Last but not least, consider using baby shampoo. It's mild, slightly acidic, and perfect for cleaning brushes without damaging the bristles. Just lather, rinse, and repeat. And there you have it: a clean, soft brush ready for your next masterpiece.

Remember, the best oil brush cleaning tips are the ones that work for you. Experiment with these methods and see which ones you like the most. Happy painting!

If you're looking to expand your artistic horizons after mastering oil brush cleaning, consider exploring the workshop 'Creating Abstract Paintings Using Common Household Items' by Noah Ennis. This workshop will teach you innovative ways to create stunning abstract paintings using everyday items, helping you diversify your artistic skills and techniques.