Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or about to undertake a big decorating project in your home, you’ll know how expensive paint brushes can be. When you’ve invested in some good quality paint brushes, you’ll want them to last for a long time. However, quality of paint brushes alone is not enough to ensure longevity. If paint brushes are properly cleaned after every use then they will last through numerous decorating jobs.
The cleaning of your paint brushes will differ depending on what type of paint you have been using. If you’ve been using a water-based paint, then cleaning your paint brushes is easy. Although cleaning water-based paint is easiest if you tackle it straight away, you should still be able to clean your brushes without a problem even if they’ve been sitting for a while. First, you should clean any excess paint that’s still on the brush using an old towel of rag. Then, run the paint brushes under slightly warm water until the water runs clear. Press the brushes against a hard surface to remove any excess water and leave them to dry.
Oil-based paint cannot be cleaned with water. The oil in the paint will repel it. You’ll need to use a specialist chemical cleaner to clean your paint brushes. Always make sure you’re wearing gloves when you do this, and that you’re in a well-ventilated area. Put a small amount of the chemical cleaner into a metal container. Dip the brush into it and move it around so the cleaner starts to remove the paint. Wipe the brush on the edge of the metal container to remove any excess cleaner, and then rub it dry using a towel. Always check the guidelines on how to dispose of the chemical cleaner as they are highly toxic and flammable.