How to Clean Paint Brushes

How to Clean Paint Brushes Used With Water-Based Paint

Water-based paints include acrylics, latex, watercolors, and tempera.

1. Use up the Paint on the Brush

   If the brush is still loaded with paint when you finished the project, you need to remove as much of the wet paint as possible. Squeeze and scrape the bristles up and down along the edge of the paint can or container to release the paint from the brush—but be sure to squeeze gently and not tug on the bristles, or you'll damage them. Most are simply glued into the ferrule using epoxy, so handling them too vigorously will pull them out

   Or, paint the excess paint onto a newspaper or scrap of wood until no more paint is released from the bristles.

   Tip

   When painting, do not dip the brush too deep into the paint. The paint should only cover about one-third of the length of the bristles. This will make clean-up easier if the paint is not too deeply embedded in the ferrule.

2. Mix a Cleaning Solution

   In a small bucket, mix a solution of hot water and dishwashing liquid. The amount you need depends on the size and number of paint brushes you are cleaning. Use a ratio of one teaspoon dishwashing liquid per one quart (four cups) of hot water and mix well.

3. Swish and Squeeze the Brush

   Wearing gloves, swish the paint brush in the cleaning solution to saturate it well. Use your fingers to squeeze the bristles to help release the paint and wipe the bristles on the sides of the bucket.

   A paint brush comb will help remove excess paint. Work the comb through the bristles from the ferrule down to the edge of the brush.

4. Rinse and Dry

   Once all of the visible paint has been removed, rinse the brush under hot running water. If there is still paint clinging to the bristles, mix a fresh cleaning solution and repeat the steps.

   Gently squeeze out the excess rinse water. Shake the brush vigorously or use a paint brush spinner (uses centrifugal force to force water from the brush). Hang the brush (bristles down) to air-dry slowly or dry it flat.

5. Dispose of the Cleaning Solution

   The cleaning solution can be safely poured down a drain or toilet.

6. Cleaning Brushes That Are Stiff With Dried Water-based Paint

   If the water-based paint has already dried on the brush, you'll need to add an extra step.

   Mix the cleaning solution and allow the brush to soak for an hour or up to overnight. Be sure that only the paint-coated bristles are submerged in the solution. Check the brush occasionally to see if the paint is loosening from the bristles. Continue with the remaining cleaning steps, repeating the cleaning and soaking as needed.

How to Clean Paint Brushes Used With Oil-Based Paints

Oil-based paints are often referred to as enamel paints. The colored pigment is added to either alkyd (synthetic) or linseed (natural) oil. Cleaning paint brushes that have been used with oil-based paints require more than soap and water.

1. Remove Excess Paint

   Remove as much paint as possible from the brush by pressing it along the edge of a container or painting the excess paint onto newspaper.

2. Choose a Cleaning Solvent

   Several products will remove oil-based paint from a brush,

   • Paint thinner: A general term for a product that usually includes trimethyl benzene (chemical solvent) or turpentine (organic solvent). The product is flammable and potentially produces toxic fumes.
   • Mineral spirits: A 100-percent petroleum distillate, mineral spirits has low levels of fumes but is still flammable.
   • Citrus-based solvent: These solvents contain terpenes, organic compounds derived from plants. They work more slowly in removing paint than stronger chemicals. While biodegradable, they still contain some harmful chemicals.

3. Allow the Solvent to Work

   Working in a well-ventilated spot with no open flames, pour a small amount of the solvent into an old glass jar or disposable container. Only use enough to cover the bristles of the brush. Dip the brush into the solvent and swirl it around to loosen the paint. Wearing gloves, use your fingers to work the solvent into the bristles and then a paint brush comb to get all of the paint out of the bristles.

4. Finish With Soap and Water, Rinse, and Dry

   Once all of the paint is removed, mix a solution of hot water and dishwashing liquid to wash away the solvent. Work the soapy water into the bristles and then rinse the brush thoroughly with hot water.

   Gently squeeze out the excess water and pat the brush dry with an old cloth. Hang the brush or place it on a flat surface to dry.

5. Dispose of the Solvent Properly

   Paint solvents and oil paints should never be disposed of down a sink drain or sanitary sewer. Leave the open container in a ventilated spot to allow the solvent to evaporate and the paint to dry. Follow the recommendations of your local municipality for safe disposal.

   It's important to note that this process may take several days, and the fumes will remain flammable the entire time, so an indoor spot may not be the best solution. If you put it outside, take care that children and animals cannot access it.