Inspired Blog

Quality artist brushes are essential to creating quality art. But any seasoned artist will tell you, proper cleaning and storage of your brushes will keep them performing like new for years to come, saving you time and money. Read on for the best practices in cleaning and storing your brushes to help extend their life even longer.

First Time Use of New Brushes

When you get your new artist brushes home and open the package to begin painting you may notice the hairs are very stiff and seem to be stuck together. Typically, brand new artist brushes come with a thin coat of glue called sizing on the hair to keep the hairs in place while in the store. You will need to wash this sizing out of the hair with warm water before using your brush for the first time.

Cleaning

It is important to clean brushes as soon as possible so paint doesn't dry on the hairs. You also never want brushes soaking in water for extended periods of time. This weakens the glue that holds the hairs in place. Different mediums require different methods of removing the paint from hairs. It is imperative to reshape brush hair with your fingers while it's still wet to ensure the brush holds its shape over time.

Watercolor & Acrylic Paint Brushes

1. Wipe excess paint off of the brush with a clean rag then rinse it under running water
2. Use mild soap and water and remove remaining paint
3. Repeat this process until brush is clean
4. While the hairs are still wet, reshape the brush with your fingers
5. Let the brushes dry flat or hanging with hairs facing down

Oil Paint Brushes

1. Wipe away as much excess paint as possible with a clean rag
2. Use odorless brush cleaner (found in any arts & crafts store) to remove the remaining color
3. Then wash thoroughly with soap and water
4. While the hairs are still wet, reshape the brush with your fingers
5. Let the brushes dry flat or hanging with hairs facing down

Take a look at our brush basins. These are handy tools to help you keep your brushes clean!

Storage Tips

• Allow brushes to completely dry before you store them
• Do not store brushes in cramped quarters where the hairs can get bent out of shape and break
• Natural hair brush storage: dip the brushes in liquid hand or dish soap, wipe the excess, reshape the head, and allow the brush to dry. This will seal the hairs, preventing mites from getting to the brush, and ensure the brush head keeps its shape.

Troubleshooting Possible Brush Issues

Paint Stains on Brush Hairs

Lighter colored brush hairs, like white taklon, are susceptible to staining when using bright, bold colored paints. Paint stains on hairs have no effect on performance and longevity of brushes.

Brush 'Bed Head'

If brushes are stored in tight, cramped places, it is possible that brush hairs will get bent. To remedy this, simply run the brush under water and reshape hairs with your fingers. Make sure to store brushes with hairs facing up or in a container that doesn't crush the hairs to prevent this issue.

Preventing Moth Damage in Natural Hair

Moths can eat natural hairs and ruin the brushes. This is why it's important to store natural bristle brushes in an airtight container. Be sure to let the brushes dry completely before storing to prevent mildew. Another option is to dip the brushes in liquid hand or dish soap, wipe the excess, reshape the hair, and allow the brush to dry. This will seal the hairs, preventing mites from getting to the brush, and ensure the brush head keeps its shape.

We have a brush for every type of artist! Look through our full range of brushes online to find the perfect brush for your creative practice.