A top quality brush will not only give you excellent painting performance, it will continue to do so through many painting projects over many years. To continue such performance, however, proper brush cleaning and storage are vitally important.
Bristle Brushes
Such natural bristle brushes are best suited for use with oil-base paints and stains, varnishes, lacquers and shellacs. Clean as soon as possible after use. From the manufacturer's paint container, follow instructions in selecting the proper cleaning solvent (paint thinner or mineral spirits for paint, stain and varnish, alcohol for shellac, etc.). Work the solvent through the bristles, dipping up and down in the container several times. Take special care to work the solvent into the center of the brush and down to the ferrule (metal band). A brush comb is helpful in removing stubborn paint residue and will also straighten the bristles so they will dry straight. Dry thoroughly and store in the brush keeper which helps the bristles retain their shape.
Nylon/Polyester Brushes
Such synthetic filament brushes can be used with all paints, but are used most often in faster drying latex and water-base paints. (When used with oil-base paints, follow cleaning directions outlined above). Warm to hot water and mild soap suds are the best cleaning agents for most applications. In many cases, more than one washing is required and a clean container, clean water wash and rinse is highly recommended. Again, a brush comb is helpful in removing stubborn paint residue. Occasionally, a bath of thinner or mineral spirits, followed by a warm soapy water wash and clean water rinse may be necessary after normal cleaning procedures. Finally, the brush should be thoroughly dried and reshaped using the brush comb and stored in its original keeper.
Learn from the Pros
- Whenever possible, store a brush by hanging it. Whatever you do, don't store a brush on its tips, which will curl its fine, flagged ends for quality painting, thus rendering it useless.
- Never soak brushes in water, commercial cleaners or even paint. They will lose their shape and, in addition, such abuse will destroy the epoxy setting.
- Never store a brush that has any wet paint left on it.
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