How to Clean Your Paint Brushes Properly

There are two general categories of paint for residential and industrial purposes.
 
Do you throw away your paint brushes after a renovation because the cleaning process is too tedious? Or put them away because out of sight, out of mind? A brush in good condition can help tide you through a handful of renovations, so it’s well worth spending time to take good care of them. Here are some general guidelines to clean and store your brushes properly.
 

water-based paint

 
  • Soak the paint brushes in a mixture of warm water and detergent
  • Use your hands or brush comb to work through the bristles
  • Rinse a couple of times till water runs clear
 

Oil-based paint

 
  • Apply thinner, turpentine or white spirit onto the brushes
  • Use your hands or brush comb to work through the bristles
  • Rinse a couple of times till water runs clear
 
Don’t worry if the bristles are still stained after washing. It doesn’t mean that the brush is not cleaned! To facilitate the drying, squeezing out any excess water from brush. Then, gently sculpt it back to its original shape if there are any frays. Leave it to dry by laying it horizontally. Lastly, wrap it with heavy paper for storage purposes, to prevent the hairs from bending.
 
 

 Share