I always hated cleaning up after a long paint session, or really any paint session. The creativity has flown and is now sitting on your canvas. You feel full and alive but also depleted of your creative resources. The last thing you want to do is figure out how to clean acrylic paint brushes before they succumb to the hardened clutches of leftover paint. So in a haste, you swirl and mash your paint brushes fiercely into the bottom of your already dirty water jar until they are forced clean and with some bonus added damage. We’ve all been there… right? But let’s be honest, your trusty paintbrushes, the unsung heroes of your creative endeavors, deserve a little more love than that. 

Regularly cleaning your paint brushes, and knowing exactly how to clean paint brushes properly after painting can not only extend their overall lifespan, but will prevent damage, ensure longevity in quality, and give you many more years with your favorite tools. It’s important to do this almost immediately after you finish painting as many paints, acrylic paint included, can dry fast when left unsealed. In this guide, we'll delve into the importance of cleanliness and outline the essential five steps to keep your brushes in top-notch condition for many years to come. 

The 5 Steps to Brush Brilliance

Step 1: Don't Waste a Drop

When I buy acrylic paints, I go for high quality, museum grade, premier brands to create my work. Not only are the colors the most vibrant, but they will stay that way for a lifetime. These paints are one of the biggest investments I’ve put into my art, and as you can imagine, don’t come cheap either. 

That’s why I’ve become savvy in utilizing every last drop of paint I can so none of it goes to waste. Before you dive into the actual cleaning process for your paint brushes, use whatever paint is already leftover on them. Can you add a little more color to your current project? Or maybe add it to a side project you’ve been working on? Can you splash it across your easel? Let the remnants grace your canvas in a final flourish of creativity. But remember, time is of the essence—clean your brushes promptly to prevent any unwanted drying.

Step 2: Solvent Sophistication

The type of paint you use will determine how to wash paint brushes with solvent. From acrylics to oils, each paint has its perfect counterpart. Find the bottle that the paint came in and flip it over to the back. Most times, the type of solvent that is recommended is found directly on the back of the paint tube. If it is not listed, or you do not have the original packaging, use the guide below to find the right paint solvent: 

Acrylic Paint Solvent

Acrylic paint uses hot water as a solvent. You can also use rubbing alcohol for more stubborn paint or thicker brushes. 

Oil Paint Solvent

Oil paint uses turpentine, paint thinner, and mineral spirits

Latex Paint Solvent

Latex paint can be rinsed with soap and water thoroughly. You can also use ammonia for more stubborn paint of thicker bushes. 

Start by rinsing off what you can from your paint brushes with warm water, working the bristols with your fingers to loosen up deep paint. Once you have gotten what you can, fill a bucket with warm water and your solvent - be sure to read the instructions on your solvent to see how many parts solvent to how many parts water you will need. 

Step 3: Swish in the Mixture

Immerse your brushes in the solvent and warm water. Gently swish and swirl your paint brushes around the mixture dissolving any leftover paint (1). Avoid squishing your bristols with the bottom of the water. If you need to scrub at all, carefully work the bristols with your fingers. A gentle hand is your brushes' best friend—scrubbing only leads to frayed and bent bristles.

Step 4: Rinse Away Residue

Once you've vanquished the last traces of paint, give your brushes a rinse with warm water. This step will help ensure that no chemical residue remains leftover on your brushes. This will help protect them in the long run, but will also protect your paintings. Believe me, you do not want leftover solvent mixing with your paints while you create your work! 

Step 5: Hang with Care

After you finish rinsing, it’s time to dry off your brushes. Gently squeeze any excess water from your brush starting from the base upwards. From here, I like to do a spin dry. Keep your hands flat and hold the brush between your hands in front of you. Rub your hands back and forth to create a spin motion with the brush. This will help remove any excess water from the bristols. 

Once you have completed, let your brushes dry in style. Hang them upside down or lay them flat in order to help them maintain their impeccable shape. This prevents any unfortunate morphing and ensures they're ready for your next masterpiece.

How to clean paint brushes with dried paint

For those times when forgetfulness leads to dried paint nightmares, fear not! There are a few things you can try to resurrect your brush. Below are a few steps on how to clean paint brushes with dried paint if you find yourself in such a situation (2):

• Paint Solvent Soak: This will be your best bet! Fill a bucket with your solvent and warm-hot water. Let your paint brushes soak in the solvent for 10-15min. Rinse with warm water and work out any remaining dried paint with your fingers. 

• White Vinegar: Fill a bucket with 1 part water and 2 parts white vinegar. Let the paint brushes soak in the mixture for 20-30min. Rinse with warm water and work out any remaining dried paint with your fingers. 

• Fabric Softener: Fill a bucket with warm-hot water and a small dose of fabric softener. Let your paint brushes soak in the mixture for 10-15min. Take your paint brushes out and work in fabric softener directly to the bristols if there is any remaining dried paint. Rinse with warm water. 

If you tried these and still are not seeing any improvements, then I would recommend purchasing a Brush Cleaner and Restorer from Winsor & Newton. This is a great product for most types of paint, including oil, acrylic, and alkyd, and will remove tough dried paint spots from your brushes. 

Water Woes: Responsible Disposal

Now, what about that murky paint water you’re leftover with? Resist the urge to pour it down the sink which causes damage to your pipes over time. Responsible actions save time, money, and the environment. Instead, try: 

• Evaporation Elegance: Let the water evaporate from the bucket overnight. Once it is dry, peel the leftover paint from the bucket and dispose of it. 

• Eco-Friendly Soil: Disperse the dirty paint water in a grassy or dirt area, far from sewages and storm drains.

Artistic Hygiene for Everlasting Brushes

In the grand tapestry of artistic creation, your brushes are indispensable threads. By adhering to these crucial steps, you ensure your brushes stand the test of time, ready to embark on countless creative adventures. So, dear artists, if you practice responsible care for your tools, you can paint with the confidence that your brushes will remain faithful companions on your artistic journey. Happy painting!