Cleaning Your Brushes After Oil Painting

When you’re finished painting, it’s important to give your brushes the care they deserve so they stay in good condition for future paintings. Don’t skip this stage! Here’s how you can clean them properly, using a few simple yet effective methods.

1. Wipe Off Excess Paint First

Before you begin to wash your brushes, get as much paint off as possible. Use a rag to gently squeeze and wipe the bristles, removing the majority of the paint. This step makes the cleaning process much easier and prevents the paint from getting clogged up in the brush’s ferrule (the metal part holding the bristles).

Tip: Be gentle when wiping—no need to tug or twist the bristles. Treat them like you’d treat your hair!

2. Use a Brush Cleaner or Odourless Solvent

Once you’ve removed the excess, dip your brush into a brush cleaner or an odourless solvent, like Zest-it or Sansodor. Swirl the brush gently, allowing the solvent to dissolve the remaining paint. Avoid pressing too hard against the bottom of the jar as this can damage the bristles.

Friendly Reminder: Make sure you’re doing this in a well-ventilated area. Even “odourless” solvents can release fumes that you don’t want to breathe in too much.

3. Wash with Soap and Water 

After the solvent, use a gentle soap (like a bar of soap or even a mild washing up liquid) to clean your brushes thoroughly. Swirl the bristles in your hand or on a soap bar, working up a lather, and rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat this process until the water runs clear and there’s no paint left in the brush.

Tip: Specialised brush soaps are available and a great investment—they’re designed to condition the bristles while cleaning, extending the life of your brushes.

4. Rinse Thoroughly 

Make sure to rinse your brushes thoroughly with clean water. Leftover soap can cause the bristles to stiffen, so take your time to ensure all soap residues are washed out. Gently reshape the bristles with your fingers while rinsing to keep the brush tip in good form.

5. Dry and Reshape Your Brushes

After cleaning, use a clean towel to gently pat your brushes dry. Make sure to reshape the bristles back to their original shape before leaving them to air dry. This helps the brush keep its form and prevents bristles from splaying. Wrapping tissue around the bristles can help re-shape those that have some stray strands.

Tip: Dry your brushes lying flat or with the bristles pointing down. This stops water from seeping into the ferrule, which can loosen the glue and cause bristles to shed.

6. Store Them Properly

Once your brushes are dry, store them upright in a holder or container. Keep the bristles facing up and away from any pressure that might bend or misshape them. If you’re travelling, invest in a brush roll or case to protect them on the go.

Final Thoughts:

Taking a few extra minutes to clean and care for your brushes can make a world of difference. Properly maintained brushes will last longer, keep their shape, and perform better. A little care now will save you the frustration (and cost) of replacing your favourite brushes later.

Happy cleaning, and happy painting!