Cleaning your Paintbrushes

Looking after your brushes requires thorough, regular cleaning

In order to keep your tools in good shape, it is important to clean and maintain them thoroughly after each use to preserve their shelf life. One of the most stubborn tools to salvage if left untreated are painting and decorating tools like the paint brush.

First, always try and remove excess paint on a piece of old cardboard. Work the brush around until there is next to no paint leaving the brush. This makes your work easier later on when washing the brush.

Some methods for cleaning:

With Oil based paint - You want to clean the brush by working a solvent deep into the bristles. Find an old bowl and put some paint solvent in the bottom. Work the solvent deep into the bristles to reach all of the residual paint. Repeat a few times until the brush becomes clean.

For Water based Paints:

Use the same method as above, but use warm soapy water to free up the residual paint from the brush. Add a small drop of solvent if you face some resistance!

Leave the brush out to dry on the side on some kitchen towel, and avoid placing on a heater or radiator for example - This will warp the bristles and damage the brush.