How to Clean and Care for Paint Brushes
A good set of brushes can last for years if you take care of them. But if you clean them badly, or don't clean them at all, you can ruin a brush in a single session. The good news is that brush care is simple once you know what to do.
The Golden Rule: Never Let Paint Dry in the Bristles
This applies especially to acrylics. Acrylic paint is essentially plastic, and once it dries in the bristles, it's almost impossible to remove completely. The ferrule (the metal band connecting the bristles to the handle) is particularly vulnerable because dried paint there causes the bristles to fan out and never return to their original shape.
While you're painting: rinse your brushes every time you switch colors. Keep a water jar nearby and swirl the brush in the water between colors. You don't need to do a full clean mid-session, just keep them wet and free of drying paint.
Cleaning Acrylic Paint Brushes
- Rinse in water immediately after use. Don't let the session end with paint sitting in the bristles.
- Swirl gently in your rinse jar. Change the water when it gets saturated.
- Use brush soap or a mild shampoo for a proper clean. Work the soap into the bristles with your fingers from the ferrule toward the tip. Rinse and repeat until the water runs clear.
- Reshape the bristles while wet. Use your fingers to bring the bristles back to their natural shape (a point for rounds, straight for flats).
- Dry flat or with the bristles facing up. Never leave brushes standing in water in a jar. This bends the bristles permanently and can rot the wooden handle from the inside.
Cleaning Watercolor and Gouache Brushes
Watercolor and gouache are water-based and much easier to clean. A simple rinse is usually enough for mid-session cleanup. At the end of a session, give your brushes a proper soap wash the same way as above.
One thing to watch: don't leave watercolor brushes soaking in a jar of water for extended periods. Constant moisture softens the glue in the ferrule over time, which can cause bristles to start falling out.
Reviving a Brush with Dried Paint
If you've accidentally left paint to dry in a brush, don't throw it away yet. Here's what to try:
- For dried acrylics: soak the bristles in rubbing alcohol for 30 to 60 minutes, then gently work the softened paint out with your fingers. Don't soak too long or the alcohol can damage synthetic bristles.
- For dried oil paints: use a small amount of linseed oil or a brush-cleaning solvent. Work it in, then clean with soap and water.
- For heavily crusted bristles: a dedicated brush restorer product can sometimes work well.
This won't always fully restore the brush, but it can extend its life significantly.
Storing Your Brushes
| Method | Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Flat in a drawer | Short-term storage | Bristles can get bent if heavy items press on them |
| Upright in a cup, bristles up | Active studio use | Dust can settle in bristles over time |
| In a brush roll | Travel and long-term storage | Make sure brushes are fully dry before rolling |
| Standing in water, bristles down | Never | Permanent bristle damage and handle rot |
Quick Reference: Do's and Don'ts
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Rinse between colors | Leave paint to dry in bristles |
| Clean with soap after every session | Soak brushes bristles-down in water |
| Reshape bristles while wet | Use boiling water (damages the glue in the ferrule) |
| Store flat or bristles-up | Scrub brushes against rough surfaces |
| Use brush soap or mild shampoo | Let wooden handles soak in water |
If you take care of your brushes properly, even an affordable set will last through a lot of paintings. Browse the ARTIOS brushes collection for quality brushes at student-friendly prices, and check our full brush guide for help choosing the right shapes: How to Choose the Right Paint Brushes.