Caring for Paintbrushes

after recently looking for a subject on which to write my first instructable, i was both appalled and excited to find that no one had written anything on this same topic. it may seem very basic, but properly cleaning and storing paintbrushes will help you to get the desired results in your painting and other projects for as long as possible. and with the prices of quality brushes, wouldn't you want to get your money's worth?

materials needed
Dirty paintbrushes
water
soap ( preferably liquid soap)
storage for paintbrushes
you!

Step 1 Prepare the Brush Bath

fill whatever container you're using to wash your brushes with warm water and soap. the warmer the water is the easier the paint and residues will wash out! i just use my sink because i don't have to clean it as well afterward.

Comments

[stefdoesit]

Actually, it would be preferable not to use hot water. Although it dissolves paint and residues better than cold water, warm water removes the glue they add on the brushes to maintain its shape.

[Gravity Boy]

I paint in oil and I found that if you dip the brush in mineral oil (baby oil without the "smell like a baby") This will remove much of the paint, then dip into terp.

[mosura]

I've found the best way of cleaning brushes is to use The Master's Brush Cleaner & Preserver. It gets out lots of stuff, including glue, and is incredibly useful.

[Vertigo666]

Do mine eyes spy another Games Workshop devotee?

[yokotei]

i don't actually play any table top games ( all my friends are D&D fanatics :P) but i've always wanted to try painting miniatures :D