Cleaning a Paintbrush
Jordan Blackbird
Cleaning a paintbrush may seem like a trivial task, but it is one of the most
common and most basic errors made by do-it-yourself painters. Contrary to popular
belief, there is a “right way” to clean a paintbrush! How often have you gone to
paint, only to realize that your paintbrush is as hard as a rock? Have you ever
dipped it in a light cream-colored paint, only to discover that the brush was holding
onto black paint from a previous project? Did it leave black streaks on your wall?
These problems and more can be alleviated by simply learning to clean your
paintbrush correctly from the start.
Note: Do not let your dirty paintbrush dry out before cleaning. Once the paint has
hardened on the bristles, it is nearly impossible to clean the brush.
Equipment and Materials:
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2 plastic sandwich baggies
paint thinner (approximately 1 cup, though
quantity may vary)
2-3 paper towels or rags
disposable latex gloves
old newspaper (optional)
aluminum foil
First, determine if the paint you have been using is oil-based or acrylic/latex. This
will determine what method and materials you must use. If the paint is
acrylic/latex, simply wash the brush with soap and water. If you cannot read the
paint can label, perform the following steps to determine if the paint you have been
using is oil-based or acrylic/latex.
Determining the Paint Type
1. Dip the tip of the dirty paintbrush in clean water. Do not leave residual paint
in your sink or in a dish that you value; most paint will stain.
2. Observe if the paint dispels or mixes with the water. If the water beads up on
the brush and does not mix with the paint, then the paint is oil-based. If the
water mixes easily with the paint and you are able to rinse the paint off of
the brush, then the paint is acrylic/latex.
3. Wipe the paintbrush dry with a paper towel or rag. This will minimize paint
drips.
If you have concluded that the paint you have been using is oil-based, use the
following steps to clean the paintbrush. If the paint is acrylic/latex, do not use the
following steps (only soap and water is necessary).
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Note: If the paint you have been using is oil-based, do not attempt to clean with
soap and water. This will result in a very sticky and frustrating mess.
Preparing Your Workspace
1. Move to an open, well-ventilated area; fumes from paint thinner can be toxic.
2. Clear away any lawn furniture or toys that you want to stay clean.
3. Cover the ground with old newspaper if you are concerned about paint
spatter.
4. Put on disposable latex gloves to protect your hands from the paint thinner.
Cleaning Your Paintbrush
1. Pour approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup of paint thinner into a plastic sandwich
bag.
2. Place the dirty paintbrush in the plastic bag so that the bristles are
submerged in the paint thinner.
3. Use your fingers to work the paint thinner into the bristles of the paintbrush
through the plastic bag. Continue mixing the paint thinner into the
paintbrush for 2-5 minutes.
4. Remove the paintbrush from the bag. Flick the paintbrush away from you
towards the ground to dispel the paint and paint thinner from the bristles of
the paintbrush.
5. Repeat these four steps with the second plastic sandwich bag to ensure that
the paintbrush is cleaned thoroughly.
Caution: Once you have finished cleaning the paintbrush, dispose of the dirty paint
thinner by pouring it outside. Do not pour the paint thinner down your sink or any
other drain.
Storing Your Paintbrush
1. Dry the paintbrush with a paper towel or rag before storing. This will prevent
the paintbrush from rusting.
2. If the paintbrush is still damp, wrap the bristles in a paper towel.
3. Wrap the paintbrush in aluminum foil. This will prevent the bristles from
becoming bent and difficult to work with.
4. Store the paintbrush in a dry place.
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