This document provides instructions for cleaning paint brushes in 6 steps: 1) Scrape off excess paint, 2) Clean water-based paint brushes with warm water and soap, 3) Clean oil-based paint brushes with white spirits, 4) Store brushes wrapped in paper to maintain shape, 5) Brush out hardened bristles with a wire brush, and 6) Soak severely hardened brushes in brush restorer for days to soften. Proper cleaning after each use helps prolong the lifespan of paint brushes.

1. How to Clean &
Care for Paint
Brushes
Professional paint brushes require
proper cleaning to prolong their
lifespan. Follow our expert tips to
care for your paint brushes.
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2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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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