What is the best thing to clean paint brushes with?

Cleaning paint brushes properly after use is crucial for keeping them in good condition so they last a long time. Using the right cleaning agents and techniques can get paint, stain, and varnish out of bristles and keep brushes supple and ready for the next use. Here we’ll look at the most effective options for cleaning all types of paint brushes.

Quick Summary

For oil-based paints, use mineral spirits or paint thinner to clean brushes. For water-based paints, rinse brushes in warm water and soap. For stubborn dried paint, try soaking brushes in a solvent like paint thinner or nail polish remover, then wash with soap and water. Avoid using very hot water, harsh solvents like acetone, and scrubbing brushes too aggressively.

What’s the Best Way to Clean Paint Brushes?

The best way to clean paint brushes depends on the type of paint or finish you’ve been using. Here are some tips for cleaning brushes used with different paints and finishes:

Oil-Based Paint

Mineral spirits or paint thinner are highly effective at cleaning brushes used for oil-based paints, varnishes, and stains. Follow these steps:

1. Wipe excess paint off the brush on a rag after painting to remove as much as possible.
2. Pour some mineral spirits or paint thinner into a jar large enough to hold the brushes.
3. Swirl the brush around in the solvent until the paint is dissolved. Make sure to work the solvent into the base of the bristles.
4. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the bristles if needed to get stubborn paint out.
5. Repeat swirling and scrubbing until no more paint comes out.
6. Rinse the brush with the solvent and squeeze out any excess.
7. Wrap in paper or store bristles up to let air dry.

Latex and Water-Based Paint

For cleaning brushes used with latex, acrylic, and water-based paints, the best method is to use warm water and mild soap:

1. Rinse the brush in the paint water while painting whenever you take a break to prevent paint from drying.
2. Swish the brush around in warm water to loosen any remaining paint.
3. Work a small amount of mild soap or dish soap into the bristles, scrubbing gently with your fingers.
4. Rinse under running water, kneading the bristles until the water runs clear.
5. Repeat washing with soap and water until no more paint comes out.
6. Blot excess water out with a towel or paper towels.
7. Shape and smooth bristles back into a point.
8. Lay flat or stand up bristles-up to air dry.

Other Paints and Finishes

For specialty paints and finishes, check the manufacturer’s label for recommendations on cleaning solvents. Some options include:

• Shellac – Denatured alcohol
• Milk paint – Warm soapy water
• Chalk paint – Warm soapy water
• Stain – Mineral spirits or paint thinner
• Glaze – Warm soapy water or mineral spirits
• Automotive paint – Paint thinner or acetone
• Craft paint – Warm soapy water
• Spray paint – Paint thinner or acetone

Tips for Cleaning Dried Paint from Brushes

If you forgot to clean a brush and the paint has dried on, try these methods to revive the bristles:

• Soak in paint thinner or mineral spirits for 15-30 minutes, then wash in warm soapy water.
• Soak in nail polish remover for 15 minutes, then rinse in warm water.
• Simmer in vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse with water.
• Place bristles in boiling vinegar for 2-3 minutes. The heat helps soften the paint.
• Hold bristles under hot running water for a few minutes to soften the paint, then work soap into the brush.
• Use a brush comb to loosen dried paint chunks.

It may take repeat soaking and rinsing to fully get all the paint out of a dried brush. Be patient and gentle to avoid damaging the bristles.

Cleaning Solvents to Avoid

Some common household solvents are too harsh and can damage paint brushes. Avoid using:

• Acetone – Can break down the glue binding bristles to the ferrule.
• Turpentine – Very harsh, can discolor bristles.
• Alcohol – Dries out the bristles.
• Gasoline – Too harsh, can melt glue and plastic handles.
• Boiling water – Heat can loosen bristles.

Stick to milder solvents like mineral spirits, paint thinner, or nail polish remover for cleaning oil-based paint. And use warm water and mild dish soap for water-based paints.

How to Clean Paint Brushes by Bristle Type

Certain cleaning methods work better for specific brush bristle materials:

Bristle Material	Best Cleaning Method
Natural bristle (hog hair)	Mineral spirits for oil-based paint; mild soap and water for water-based
Nylon/polyester	Paint thinner or nail polish remover; avoid very hot water
Ox hair blend	Warm soapy water; solvents may weaken glue
Plastic bristles	Warm soapy water; solvents can melt plastic

Get to know your brushes. More delicate natural bristles require gentler treatment than tough synthetic nylon. Adjust cleaning methods accordingly.

Tips for Extending the Life of Paint Brushes

With proper care and cleaning, quality paint brushes can last many years. Here are some tips for making brushes last:

• Clean promptly after use so paint doesn’t dry on bristles.
• Use the right solvent – harsh chemicals shorten brush life.
• Avoid hot water which can loosen bristles and handles.
• Dry brushes thoroughly with bristles/handles in proper shape.
• Store brushes bristles-up so bristles don’t get bent.
• Don’t let bristles get crushed when in storage or transit.
• Replace worn bristles with a trimmer to expose fresh tips.

With proper care, natural bristle brushes can last 5-10 years, synthetic brushes 2-5 years, and inexpensive ones 1-2 years. Invest in quality brushes and take good care of them for a lifetime of use.

Signs It’s Time to Replace a Paint Brush

Here are signs that indicate a paint brush should be replaced:

• Missing or broken bristles
• Bristles permanently caked with dried paint
• Split or cracked wood handle
• Ferrule coming loose from handle
• Won’t hold a point due to bent bristles
• Stiff bristles and lack of “spring back”
• Shedding bristles while painting

Quality brushes that are well-maintained can last for years. But with heavy use over time, brushes do wear out. Replace worn out brushes for best painting results.

Conclusion

Caring for paint brushes by properly cleaning them after each use extends their life and performance. Use the appropriate solvent for the paint you’re working with – mineral spirits or paint thinner for oil-based, warm soapy water for latex and water-based. revive stiffened brushes by soaking in solvents and gently working out dried paint. Avoid very hot water or harsh chemicals that can damage bristles. With the right cleaning techniques, high quality paint brushes can last for many years.