How to Clean and Care for Your Paint Brushes

A good brush can last for years, and a careless wash can ruin it in a week. Brush care is not complicated, but it does require a few habits. Here is a clear routine for cleaning, drying and storing brushes, with notes on how the method differs between watercolour, acrylic and oil.

Start while the paint is wet

The single most important rule is to clean your brushes before the paint dries. Dried acrylic in particular is almost impossible to remove, and even oil paint left to harden at the base of the bristles will stiffen the brush. Make it a habit to rinse brushes between colours and to clean them thoroughly at the end of every session, even if you are tired.

Cleaning step by step

1. Wipe off excess paint with a cloth or kitchen paper.
2. Rinse in the correct medium: water for watercolour and acrylic, or a suitable solvent or oil for oil paint.
3. Work mild soap, such as a gentle hand soap or a brush cleaner, into the bristles with your fingers, rolling the brush in your palm.
4. Rinse thoroughly and repeat until no colour comes out.
5. Reshape the bristles into their natural point or edge.
6. Lay the brush flat or stand it with the bristles up to dry.

Do not scrub hard, and avoid pressing the brush down on its tip.

Differences between paints

• Watercolour: usually the easiest. Rinse well in clean water and use a little mild soap if staining pigments linger.
• Acrylic: keep brushes wet while you work and wash them promptly. Never leave them standing in water, because the bristles bend and the handle can swell.
• Oil: wipe off as much paint as possible, rinse in solvent or use an oil-based cleaner, then wash with soap and water. Follow safety instructions for any solvent, work in a ventilated space and dispose of residues responsibly.

Avoid common brush killers

Standing brushes in a jar of water is one of the most damaging habits, as the bristles bend permanently. Hot water can loosen the glue in the ferrule, the metal part that holds the hairs, so use cool or lukewarm water instead. Leaving paint inside the ferrule causes the bristles to splay, which shortens the life of the brush. And using a good watercolour brush for rough jobs like applying masking fluid will wear out the tip quickly. Keep one old brush for such tasks.

Drying and storage

Lay brushes flat or place them in a jar with the bristles up, so that water drains away from the ferrule. Do not store brushes bristles-down. When they are fully dry, keep them upright or in a roll or case that protects the tips. For travel, a bamboo roll or a rigid tube keeps shapes intact. Natural hair brushes appreciate a dry, well-ventilated place, and some people add a natural moth repellent when storing sable for long periods.

Reviving tired brushes

A splayed brush can sometimes be coaxed back into shape. Wash it, shape it while damp and wrap a strip of paper loosely around the bristles as they dry. Brushes that have been stiffened by dried paint may be revived with a specialist cleaner, though results vary. A worn-out brush is not necessarily useless; the splayed or ragged ones are ideal for textural effects such as those in dry brush and scumbling.

Building a sensible set

It is easier to look after a small, well-chosen set than a drawer full of cheap brushes. If you are still deciding what to buy, our guide to choosing your first brushes shows how to build a versatile set without overspending.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use washing-up liquid on my brushes? A mild soap is fine for most brushes, but rinse thoroughly. Harsh detergents may dry out natural hair.

How often should I replace brushes? When they stop holding a point or an edge, shed hairs or splay permanently. With good care, quality brushes can last for years.

Is it fine to share brushes between paint types? It is better not to. Brushes used with oils should stay with oils, and water-based paints are best kept separate to avoid residue.