DIY Tool Basics – Paint Brush Cleaners
October 10th, 2008
Follow this easy reference guide to cleaning your paint brushes and you will enjoy a long and happy relationship with your bristled friends. Remember, regular and thorough cleaning is much cheaper than buying whole new brushes especially if you use high quality bristle brushes for your DIY project or Home Improvement job.
Top Tip – You should always try to minimise the amount of paint on your brush while painting, it provides a much smoother, more even finish and makes painting much easier too! Only put an inch of the tip of the bristles into the paint at the very most.
If the paint is water based you can rinse it under the tap. Warm water is the best for getting out paint but don’t make it too hot as you will need to work the bristles with your fingers too to get all the paint out.
If the paint is oil based you can use white spirits to loosen the paint. Fill a jar with an inch deep of white spirit and work the brush on the base of the jar. Never put your hands into the white spirit to work the bristles, and always wear rubber gloves while handling the spirit. Remember to thoroughly rinse off the spirit afterwards with hot water.
After cleaning any brush you should ensure you rinse thoroughly with hot soapy water and then pat dry on a rag or newspaper. Then wrap up in a sheet of newspaper and hold together with an elastic band. Do not bend the brush or bristles; keep it in its original shape.
Further Paint Types and their removal partners:
For Cellulose you can use amyl acetate which is readily available form your local chemists.
Varnish requires Methylated spirits to be used in the same way as white spirits. Remember to always wear rubber gloves for all of these removers!
Rubber can be removed with petrol but remember to rinse thoroughly afterwards and to only clean in a well ventilated area, outside if possible.
Polyurethane can be dealt with by Paraffin or white spirit whichever you choose.
Oil can also be removed with Paraffin or white spirit. White spirit is the popular choice by many artists when cleaning their brushes.
Washable distemper can be removed with a weak solution of vinegar. This may make your home stink of vinegar for a bit so clean if outside if you can.
Categories: Home improvement
