How To Clean Paint Brushes
Say Goodbye to Dirty Paint Brushes: Tips and Steps for Cleaning and Storing Brushes This Spring
When it comes to painting, the cleanup process is the most important part of the job or project. Here at Dependable Painting & Remodeling this is one of the processes we never skip.
Not only just cleaning up the job site, but also cleaning up the materials.
Most importantly, your paintbrush.
Cleaning your paintbrushes is extremely crucial, especially if you want to reuse a paintbrush. If you do not clean your paintbrush properly, you will run into the issue of spending more time and money buying a new paintbrush every time you go to paint.
According to the National Paint and Coatings Association, the average consumer will replace their paint brushes every 3-4 months.Paint brushes should be cleaned immediately after use to prevent the bristles from becoming hardened and misshapen. Therefore, here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning paint brushes: an essential skill for any DIY painter.
Supplies Needed:
The supplies you will need to clean a paintbrush are a bucket or a container to dip the paintbrush in while you are cleaning it. You also need a bucket or container to put water, soap and/or the solvent you need for your paintbrush. You can use a sink, tub or water hose, but it is best if you soak your brush. Therefore, having a bucket is most beneficial.
Soaking the Brush:
To get your paintbrush ready for cleaning, you need to soak the paint brush in water and solvent to help loosen up the paint from the brush. This will make it easier to loosen up the paint without the brush losing its shape or durability.
Removing Excess Paint:
If the bristles are particularly stiff, use a brush comb or wire brush to help loosen the paint. This can take place before, during and after the cleaning process. Once the bristles are free of paint, rinse the brush in clean water and use a paper towel to remove any excess liquid.
Cleaning:
It is important to use the correct type of solvent/products for the paint being used. For example, water-based paints should be cleaned with warm, soapy water, while oil-based paints should be cleaned with mineral spirits. To clean a paint brush, submerge the bristles in the solvent and work them back and forth in the liquid. If you treat your brushes right, they should not be too difficult to clean. Always clean your brushes and rollers immediately after your painting projects.
Drying the Brush:
Allow the brush to dry completely before storing it. You can do this by slinging the water out of the paintbrush.
Storing the Brush:
To store a paintbrush, wrap the bristles in paper or plastic and secure them with a rubber band which will prevent them from drying out. If you are going to reuse the brush and paint shortly, you can also use this technique on a brush that already has paint. The average consumer will store their paintbrushes in a cool, dry place. If you plan on waiting 24 hours or more to use them, store them in an airtight bag where you squeeze all the air out. Place them in a cool, dry place to keep the paint fresh.
Cleaning your paintbrushes can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Make sure you are using the correct steps and chemicals to make sure that your brushes are cleaned properly in order to reuse them. The pros always clean their brushes afterwards to insure the paintbrush is in the best shape when they come back to complete a job! At the end of the day, cleaning your paintbrushes is an extremely crucial part of cleaning up after a paint job.
Dependable Painting and Remodeling is full of professionals who will make sure your job is done correctly with all the right tools and equipment for your paint projects! We are ready to work on any area of your home and make sure that it is done properly and with the proper prep work and clean up!
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the comments section below or read another article on our page! We offer the best quality performance and are always professional!