The Artist’s Studio: How to Take care of your Paint Brushes

There’s simply no better feeling the first moment you pull a new, clean paintbrush out of the pile ready to get started with your artwork. Painting can be exciting and fun since there’s no limit to what you can create as an artist. Whether you just bought a new paintbrush for your energetic and creative kids or it’s for your daily artistic work, wouldn’t it be amazing to care for your brushes and keep them in this good of shape? Of course, that’s what everyone would want but most don’t know it takes regular care. So, how do you take care of your brushes and make sure you enjoy painting for as long as possible?

Clean your Paint Brushes Immediately After using them

It’s always exciting and fun to get hold of your paint brush and put your imagination on canvas. It’s not uncommon for artists to be caught up in this artistic moment that they forget and leave the dirty brushes sitting for hours as they proceed with their work. Leaving your brushes to sit with dirt often means getting ready to buy new ones, especially if painting with acrylics. It’s no different with oil brushes too. Neglecting your oil brushes and failure to thoroughly clean them will render them useless after a few painting sessions.

Focus on the Base of the Bristles

When paint residue settles and coats the base of the bristles, the brush tip begins to spread apart and within no time will lose its shape. Yes, cleaning the area around the ferrule isn’t easier in any way. However, you have to do your best to clean this area so you can maintain the shape of the brush at the top. Remember, when your brush no longer has the ability to hold its shape it becomes almost useless.

Cleaning your Brushes between Painting Sessions

Well, there are times when you’ll have to put your brushes away for a while during your painting session. It’s a good idea to rinse your brushes in mineral spirits or water. However, understand that this isn’t good enough and there’s need to shampoo into your brush bristles to the ferrule before rinsing thoroughly using cool water. This should be done until there’s trace of paint left.

Storing your Clean Brushes Horizontally or Vertically Head-side-up

First, avoid storing your brushes vertically in solvent as this can permanently misshape the bristles. It’s important that your brushes retain their original shape. Your brushes shouldn’t, therefore, be left stored in this position. Neither should you have them rest against the tips of other paint brushes. Always make sure your brushes are stored horizontally rolled in canvas sleeves or drawers or vertically with the head up. Don’t pack your brushes too tightly.

In conclusion, high quality paint brushes are worth the investment and need proper care to get the most use of it. Always rinse your paint brush often to avoid dry paint coating in the bristles. Developing good care habits for your paint brushes will ensure your high-quality bobby brushes last you a good long time.