How To Clean Paint Brushes (DIY) | Family Handyman

Home » How To Clean A Staining Brush » How To Clean Paint Brushes (DIY) | Family Handyman

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Time

A few hours

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$20-50

Introduction

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Cleaning my paint brushes after a long day on a painting project is the last thing I feel like doing, and it’s so tempting just to toss them out! Whenever I lack the motivation to clean paint brushes properly, I remind myself of the cost of replacing them. Quality brushes are designed to last a long time if you take care of them. You’ll know it’s time to toss out a paint brush if the bristles are damaged or have lost their original shape. But if your paint brushes are in good condition apart from being covered in dried paint, you may be able to revive them with a few materials.

We’ll walk you through how to clean paint brushes regardless of the stain or finish you use. The method for cleaning a paint brush depends on the brush and the type of paint on it. A solvent-based cleaner is suitable for any brush (natural or synthetic), while a water-based cleaner is only good for synthetic brushes.

Some safety tips for cleaning paint brushes are to always work in a well-ventilated area when cleaning brushes in solvents such as paint thinner, lacquer thinner, alcohol and ammonia. Never clean solvent-laden brushes around water heaters, stoves or any device with an open flame or potential electrical spark.

Most paint brush manufacturers provide specific instructions for cleaning their brushes, so take that into account before you begin.

Tools Required

  • Bucket
  • Glass jar or empty paint can
  • Paint brush comb
  • Paint brush/roller spinner
  • Paintbrush
  • Rubber gloves
  • Spring clamp
  • Stiff bristle brush

Materials Required

  • Denatured alcohol
  • Dish soap
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Paint thinner
  • Paper towels

Watch How To Clean Paint Brushes

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