Cleaning Paint Brushes

If you add up the money you've spent on paint brushes during the last 5 years you might be surprised to see the amount. Some people spend over $100.

This is because very few people outside professional painters actually reuse their brushes. Here are some tips:

1. Buy Good Brushes: Skip the dollar stores except for throw-away brushes for small detailing. Buy good bristle brushes for oils and a good quality synthetic brush with a tapered end for latex.

2. Storage Between Painting: Oil brushes can be stored between coats by wrapping the brush in kitchen wrap and putting it in the freezer. Latex brushes can be stored in a fridge wrapped the same way.

3. Cleaning and Storing For Latex Brushes: Wipe the bristles on a piece of clan cardboard to get the excess paint off the brush. Then soak the brush in warm water with dish soap. Rinse and flip the excess water off the brush. Hang to dry. Store in the original package to protect the bristles.

4. Cleaning and Storage of Oil-Based Brushes: Use a clean piece of cardboard to wipe off the excess paint and clean with solvent. Hang to fry and then store in the original package.

With a good brush you should be able to get over a dozen uses.