There are no great painters without quality brushes. Proper cleaning after each use and careful storage prevent hardened bristles. In partnership with www.ctendance.fr, here's our expert advice on brush care.
High-quality brushes—whether spalters, codtails, or refinishing thumbs—last years with diligent maintenance. Skipping a thorough clean can leave old paint residues that reappear later.
Common paints like acrylic, epoxy, or glycerophthalic require specific cleaners: water for acrylics and white spirit for solvent-based ones.
Before painting, tap the bristles to remove loose hairs and aerate them. Test on scrap board or paper first to shed any remaining strays.
Between coats, suspend the brush in a container of appropriate thinner—drill a hole in the handle if needed—so bristles soak without touching the bottom and deforming. Pros often use water, even for solvent paints.
Wipe excess thinner on a cloth before resuming; or seal in an air-evacuated plastic bag to prevent drying out.
Wipe off excess paint on a rag, cardboard, or newspaper.
Immerse bristles in thinner, agitating gently without crushing. Refresh thinner for heavy buildup. For paint near the ferrule, use a sharp knife or wire brush.
Clean the ferrule itself with a thinner-soaked cloth.
Rinse in hot soapy water, working soap into the bristles.
Final rinse with clean water removes solvent and conditions bristles.
Tip: For dried paint, soak in stripper or boil in vinegar water. Results won't be perfect—ideal for rough tasks like cleaning or wood treatments.
Hang to dry by the handle, then store flat in a dry, frost-free drawer or box without bending bristles. Wrapping in a clean cloth is best.
Warning: Natural bristle brushes (e.g., polecat, marten, squirrel for artists; hog hair for painting) attract moths—use insecticide. Synthetics are safe.
Check wooden handles for chipping varnish that contaminates paint.
Opt for rust-resistant ferrules in copper, brass, or zinc.
