Revive Your Old Paint Brushes

We all know that paintbrushes don't work well if we don't clean them properly. Cleaning your paint brushes may seem difficult, but worry not, we've created a simple step-by-step guide to put you at ease.

Let’s get started!

Firstly, you'll have to figure out the base of the paint you've been using in order to make a suitable cleaning concoction. 

If you can’t clean your paint brushes outright after each usage, leave them to soak in a jar full of soapy water until you can spare the time to clean them.

Cleaning Non-Oil Based Paint

If it’s a non-oil based paint, a solution of soap and water will do. Whereas, if it’s an oil-based paint, you’ll have to add some white spirit to the mix. Acrylics require some conditioning treatment with a special brush conditioner or hand conditioning soap.

No matter what cleaning product you use, always read the instructions given on the label and test the product on a small inconspicuous area first.

Let’s start with the non-oil-based paints as they are easy to remove. 

Step 1:

Rinse the brushes thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear.

Step 2:

In an empty jar, make a mixture of 2-tsp. dish soap (like Vim) and 1-cup hot water.

Step 3:

Let the paint brushes soak in the mixture for 10-15 minutes. If you notice any stubborn residue, gently massage the bristles of your paint brushes with your fingers to remove it.

Step 4:

Rinse the brushes again.

Step 5:

Reshape the brushes by hand while they’re still wet and leave them to air dry.

Cleaning Oil-Based Paint

For oil-based paints, follow the same procedure as above but before soaking the brushes in the warm soapy water mixture, you should follow the below mentioned simple steps.

Step 1:

Firstly, fill your jar with 1-tsp. white spirit. The solution should be enough to cover the bristles. 

Step 2:

Dip the brushes into the white spirit and gently twirl them around to make sure all the bristles are exposed to the solution. Keep them in there for 5 minutes.

From step 3 onwards follow the above procedure.

Remember to clean your paint brushes in a well-ventilated area. Also, keep all the cleaning products away from children and don't forget to wear gloves in order to protect your skin.

Cleaning Acrylic Paint Brushes 

Now let’s see how to clean acrylic paint brushes.

Step 1:

Start the procedure by rinsing your paint brushes with cold water until the majority of the paint is removed and the water runs clear.

Step 2:

Gently massage a special brush conditioner into the bristles of each brush. You can ask anyone in the art store for recommendations.

Step 3:

 Rinse them thoroughly and reshape them immediately after the rinse.

Step 4:

Lastly, leave them to air dry.

Cleaning your paint brushes on a weekly basis can help them go a long way!