Washing Paint Brushes

Here’s a practical guide for cleaning paint brushes based on the type of paint you might be using - Watercolour Paint, Acrylic water-based Paint and Oil paint. The key difference is how each paint behaves with water and solvents.

🎨 Watercolour Paint (Water-Based)

What you need: Clean water, paper towel or cloth

Steps:

  1. Rinse the brush in a container of clean water immediately after use.

  2. Gently swirl it to release pigment—don’t mash the bristles.

  3. If color remains, rinse under running lukewarm water.

  4. Lightly reshape the bristles with your fingers.

  5. Lay flat or hang brush tip-down to dry.

Tip: Avoid letting watercolor dry in the brush—it’s easier to clean when still wet.

🖌️ Acrylic Paint (Water-Based but fast-drying)

What you need: Water, mild soap (dish soap or brush soap), cloth

Steps:

  1. Rinse the brush right away in water—acrylic dries quickly and can ruin brushes.

  2. Swirl and wipe on a cloth to remove as much paint as possible.

  3. Add a small amount of soap and gently work it into the bristles.

  4. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.

  5. Reshape bristles and dry flat or tip-down.

Tip: Never let acrylic dry on the brush. Once hardened, it’s very difficult to remove.

🎨 Oil Paint (Oil-Based)

What you need: Solvent (like mineral spirits or turpentine), soap, water, cloth/paper towel

Steps:

  1. Wipe excess paint off the brush using a cloth or paper towel.

  2. Dip and swirl the brush in a solvent to dissolve remaining paint.

  3. Wipe again, then repeat if needed until most paint is gone.

  4. Wash the brush with soap and lukewarm water to remove solvent residue.

  5. Rinse thoroughly, reshape, and let dry flat or tip-down.

Tip: Work in a well-ventilated area when using solvents.

🧼 General Care Tips

  • Don’t soak brushes bristle-down in water or solvent—it can bend and damage them.

  • Always reshape brushes before drying to maintain their form.

  • Store brushes upright only after they’re completely dry.

  • Use separate water/containers for different colors to keep them clean longer.

If you want, I can also give you a quick “rescue method” for stiff or dried-out brushes.