Because we can all be a touch negligent when it comes to properly caring for our brushes, (I used to go through them like water). Oil brush cleaning is certainly one of our least favourite tasks! Taking the tiny, straightforward steps to properly wash them, on the other hand, saves a lot of money (and time). So, here are the procedures we use to clean our paint brushes so you may learn how to do it too. There are numerous approaches to take.
1) Using a rag, wipe the brushes.
We begin brush cleaning by rubbing paint from the brush onto a rag or paper towel. This removes the layer of paint off your brush, which will help keep your brush cleaner and clean!
2) Use your brush cleaner/washer to clean your brushes.
Dip your brushes into your brush cleaner after cleaning them off with a rag. A brush cleaner, in case you didn't know, you can get brush washers from art stores they look like tin buckets which are separated into two parts. As the brushes get cleaned in the bucket, the excess paint drips to the bottom section. It's a technique for cleaning brushes while you're painting. It is also used at the end of a session to remove the most of the paint off your brush before giving it a thorough cleaning.
3) Grab yourself a brush conditioner
Yes, it does sound a little over the top, however your brushes will adore you for it in the long run. You will need an empty glass jar or a tub of some kind, warm water and a dash of your brush conditioner. Allow your brushes to sit in the soapy goodness for a few hours (we occasionally leave them overnight). Store upright and allow the hairs of the brushes to air dry.
4) What to do with brushes in need of rescue...
If you're an artist who enjoys Plein-Air painting, we suggest to bring a small container of Linseed Oil to clean your brushes quickly. When I get home, I perform any additional cleaning that is required. Cleaning your brushes with linseed oil before returning home can prevent them from drying out.
You can use a conditioning restorer as mentioned in the previous step, or you can try Windsor and Newton's brush cleaner and restorer, which is fantastic for taking paint off brushes that have dried paint on them and are beyond saving with a regular brush cleaning (yas)! Even brushes that have been dry for years can be revived with this method. A vital component of the studio if you ask us...
I hope these tips help you take better care of your brushes!
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