While it may not be the most fun aspect of painting, cleaning oil paint brushes is essential for preserving their longevity and maintaining the integrity of the brush. I can’t count the amount of brushes I’ve had to eventually throw away in the past because of my own laziness or improper cleaning. Oil paints can be tough to clean due to their thick consistency and the need for solvents, but with the right techniques, you can keep your brushes in great condition for years. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clean your oil paint brushes effectively.
Oil paint is made from pigments mixed with oils, it doesn’t dry, it oxidizes and cures. If you leave paint on your brushes for extended periods, the bristles become stiff, lose their shape, making them unusable the next time you sit down to paint. Good quality brushes, as most artists know, are not cheap, you invest your hard earned money into good quality brushes so by cleaning and maintaining your brushes regularly, you’ll prevent build up and you’ll extend the life of your tools.
Methods
- Solvents – Soaking your brushes in a solvent overnight or swirling them in a cup of solvent can break up the paint but watch out because it can also damage the ferrule and your brush will be losing it’s bristles before you know it.
- Soap/Brush Cleaners – There are many soaps and dedicated brush cleaners on the market for cleaning oil paint from brushes, most popular is the Master’s cleaner. I have no doubt it’s a good product but I have gotten away with using regular soap and have even had some success with making my own linseed soap for this purpose.
- Oil – Oil is very effective at removing oil paint and I actually prefer this to solvents. I believe it keeps the brushes in better shape and doesn’t dry them out while effectively removing build up not to mention not having to breathe in toxic fumes from solvents..
My Method
What You’ll Need
- Oil: I recommend Safflower or Linseed
- A container: A jar or cup to hold your oil.
- Rags or paper towels: For wiping excess paint.
- Soap: A mild soap or brush cleaner.
- Warm water: For rinsing.
1. Wipe Off Excess Paint
Start by wiping your brush with a rag or paper towel to remove as much excess paint as possible. This prevents a lot of paint from mixing with your oil, which could make cleaning more difficult. Do this step a few times until most of the paint is removed.
2. Pour oil into Container
Pour out oil into a container (I use Safflower that I buy in bulk, so it’s cost effective. Please note that the oil you use could affect future paintings if any oil is left in the brush, which is why I recommend using either Safflower or Linseed). Dip your brush into the oil and swirl it gently, allowing the oil to break down the paint. Work the bristles against the sides of the container to dislodge any paint that’s stuck deep in the brush. It’s essential to work the bristles gently to avoid damaging them.
You may need to repeat this step if your brush is particularly loaded with paint. Be sure to change the oil if it becomes too dirty to work effectively.
3. Wipe and Repeat
After each dip, wipe the brush again with a rag to check for any remaining paint. If the brush is still dirty, repeat the process until the brush wipes clear on a towel or rag. This ensures that the majority of the oil paint is gone, and the brush is ready for cleaning with soap and water.
4. Wash with Soap and Water
Once the brush is clean of paint, it’s time to wash it with soap and warm water. You can use any mild soap, or a specialized brush cleaner but I use a linseed and castor oil soap that I make myself because it’s very dense and lathers more creamy than foamy. Run the brush in a circular motion over the soap then use your hands to agitate and gently massage it into the bristles. Rinse the brush under warm water until the water runs clear.
My Other Method
You can also use safflower oil as a dip to keep your brushes wet if you are painting every day. Safflower is a slow drying oil so it’s perfect for this method. Clean off as much paint then simply dip the bristles into the oil and shape the bristles into their regular shape, then store them with the bristles facing upward or laying horizontally. If you place them bristles facing down the brush shape will warp and you’ll have bent bristles. This method will keep the brush wet for days and ready for your next painting session without the need for cleaning every day. I have done this repeatedly and my brushes are in better shape when I do this than if I were to clean them every day.
Note: If I’m not returning to painting for a few days, I’ll go in with linseed soap to get all oil out of the bristles and dry them off and store them.
Cleaning brushes can feel like a chore sometimes, but it’s a small price to pay for maintaining your tools. By following these steps, you can keep your brushes in excellent condition, saving you money and frustration in the long run.
I would love to hear other artist’s methods and tips for keeping their brushes in top shape so please drop a comment below!