How to Clean & Care for Paint BrushesProfessional paint brushes require proper cleaning to prolong their lifespan. Follow our expert tips to care for your paint brushes.

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Step 1: Scrape Off Paint Residue

• Use the blunt back of an old kitchen knife to scrape paint off the brush.

• An old, unwanted cardboard box makes the ideal location for such work.

• Clean the knife afterwards with a cloth dampened with white spirits.

Step 2: Cleaning Off Water Based Paint

• Hold the brush under warm running water.

• When most of the paint is rinsed away, add a drop of washing up liquid to the bristles. Work this in well and rinse again until the water runs clear.

• Dry off the brush with a cloth and store it in a warm, dry place.

Step 3: Cleaning Off Oil Based Paint

• Scuff the bristles on a piece of cardboard or some old newspaper to remove any remaining paint.

• Add a splash of white spirits to the bristles and vigorously scuff the bristles on a fresh piece of cardboard.

• Repeat this step using a fresh piece of cardboard each time, until the card shows only the white spirits and no paint.

• Wash the brush in warm running water, working washing-up liquid into the bristles. Rinse until the water runs clear. Dry the brush in a cloth and store it in a warm, dry place.

Step 4: Store Brushes like a Professional

• Professional painters like to wrap their brushes in brown paper before storage to protect the shape of the bristle cluster; tin foil will work also but the brushes must be completely dry first as the foil will stop them drying.

Step 5: Brush out Hardened Brush

• If a brush was not cleaned properly after its last use, it will have become hard and unusable.

• To begin restoring it, lay the bristles flat on a hard surface and brush them firmly with a brass bristled or small wire brush.

• Start at the base of the bristles and work toward the tip teasing out any hard clumps of paint.

Step 6: Soak Hardened Brush

• Drill a hole in the brush handle as shown, and pass a nail or piece of wire through.

• Suspend the bristles downward in a jar, fully immersed in brush restorer, and leave for a few days to soften.

• Tip: If the brush bristles are deformed, the brush may not be suitable for a finish coat. Instead keep this brush for rough work, like metal paint or undercoating.

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