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How to Correctly Clean Paint Brushes

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Topline - DIY, Home & Garden
Topline - DIY, Home & Garden

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.

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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. www.topline.ie How to GuidesTopline - Home, Garden & DIY
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.
www.topline.ie Topline - Home, Garden & DIY Read the full guide here: www.topline.ie/how-to-guides/how-to-clean-and-care- for-paint-brushes ©Topline 2015. All rights reserved.

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How to Correctly Clean 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. www.topline.ie How to GuidesTopline - Home, Garden & DIY
  • 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.
  • 8. www.topline.ie Topline - Home, Garden & DIY Read the full guide here: www.topline.ie/how-to-guides/how-to-clean-and-care- for-paint-brushes ©Topline 2015. All rights reserved.