How to Clean a Paintbrush

Proper cleaning and storage of your paintbrushes is critical for extending their life span. A poorly maintained brush won't produce satisfactory results and may have to be thrown out prematurely.

Unless you are planning on using the brush later that day it must be thoroughly cleaned and stored to maintain its performance and shape. If you are planning to use the brush with the same finish later that day it can be stored in a container of the appropriate solvent (read the cleanup direction on the can for more info) until needed. You can also wrap the brush in plastic to shield the bristles from air for shorter re-coat periods.

Cleaning the Brush
For water based finished you can clean the brush in a sink with soap and water. Lather, rinse, and repeat ensuring that all soap has been washed from the brush. If the finish is anything other than water based follow these steps. 

1. Clean the brush in a small container with the proper solvent. (Read the back of your finish can for more info.) Work the solvent into the bristles with you hands (wear gloves) and use a brush comb (available at most hardware stores) or old fork to separate the bristles and help the solvent clean. 

2. Repeat step 1 with a container of clean solvent 

3. Twirl the brush inside a trashcan or bucket to remove any extra solvent. TIP - Most commercial paint stores carry a paint spinner. This tool can be used to quickly spin the brush or roller to remove most of the solvents or water. If you do a lot of painting or refinishing this tool is well worth the price (about $20). 

4. Wash the brush with warm water and soap. Shampoo works well and helps to replenish the oils in natural bristles. Rinse the brush thoroughly to remove any soap remaining and spin the excess water from the brush.

5. Wrap the brush in brown paper or a heavy paper towel to help re-form the bristles. Secure the paper with masking tape or re-insert in original cardboard protector.

That's all there is to cleaning a paintbrush. The whole process takes about ten minutes. Be sure to store your brushes flat or vertically from a hook.