Clean A Paintbrush???

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  • mackmack
    Established Member
    • Apr 2006
    • 106
    #1

    Clean A Paintbrush???

    Just a basic question for you guys. As of now I scrub it under hot water with soap and a rough brush. I then spin dry it with one of those hand held brush spinners.

    We had a Russian guy come out to our house for some painting a while ago and he told me that he has used good brushes for over 5 years at a time. He said the best way to clean and maintain them is to put them in one part motor oil and one part something else right after using.

    Unfortunetly I forgot what he said but I was wondering if you guys knew any tricks of the trade that could help me clean and maintain my brushes better? Thanks for any and all suggestions.
    Tags: None
    • Rslaugh
      Senior Member
      • Sep 2003
      • 609
      • Punta Gorda, FL, USA.
      • None right now
      #2
      Wow, that's a lot more than I go through for my poor brushes although they look and work pretty good for a couple of years. I'm assuming latex paint here (the motor oil thing doesn't sound like he's using latex but I'm not a pro and don't wanna be) I just run mine under warm water using my fingers to open up the bristles and rinse out as much of the paint as possible. I then just flick it a couple of times to get out as much water as possible.
      Rick
      IG: @rslaugh_photography
      A sailor travels to many lands, Any place he pleases
      And he always remembers to wash his hands, So's he don't gets no diseases
      ~PeeWee Herman~

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        • SARGE..g-47
          #3
          Runnig soapy water and comb it with a brush comb if it's latex. (wooden.. about 5" long and has metal teeth separated about 1/2".. ask em at HD if you can't find one and if they don't know, find somewhere else to buy paint). After the final rinse, comb it back to the original shape so you have a tapered tio.

          If it's oil paint, let the bristles sit sub-merged in mineral spirit for a short time and then comb it with a brush comb. Final rinse in clean mineral spirits and sling out the excess. Comb it to back to shape.

          Let both dry. The mineral spirits will require a while. The latex brush will dry in a much shorter time. As a matter of fact, you can re-use it if you're doing a large project if the brush you're using loads up. Just rotate clean brushed with latex.

          I've got Purdy's that are 15 years old, but you ever see me put one in motor oil. Motor Oil??? ha.. ha...

          Regards...

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            • bigstick509
              Veteran Member
              • Dec 2004
              • 1227
              • Macomb, MI, USA.
              • BT3100
              #4
              Brush Care

              Before starting to paint with a new brush you should condition it with water for latex or mineral spirits for oil base paint. Just soak the brush for a few minutes and spin it till just damp. This goes a long way in making cleanup quick and easy.
              After the paint job is done clean the brush as usual and try on of these brush combs, it really makes a world of difference.

              Mike

              "It's not the things you don't know that will hurt you, it's the things you think you know that ain't so." - Mark Twain

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                • LinuxRandal
                  Veteran Member
                  • Feb 2005
                  • 4890
                  • Independence, MO, USA.
                  • bt3100
                  #5
                  My neighbor used to buy expensive brushes for painting. He recommended the comb and soaking it in "mineral oil" (mineral spirits). Before he put it back in the package, he used just a dab of dish soap, to coat it. He said it made the bristles open up quicker the next use.

                  Never tried it. Kinda hate that painting thing...
                  She couldn't tell the difference between the escape pod, and the bathroom. We had to go back for her.........................Twice.

                    Comment

                    • cabinetman
                      Gone but not Forgotten RIP
                      • Jun 2006
                      • 15216
                      • So. Florida
                      • Delta
                      #6
                      I really don't like the oil idea. But, here's a flash. If you are using waterbase latex and you're not done, wrap the brush in saran wrap and put it in the freezer until your next use. Make sure the bristles are formed flat. Paint rollers work like this too. OK, I admit I'm crazy, but try it.

                      Generally, cleaning brushes with the proper solvent (for oils) or water, for latex, is a matter of getting out all the paint (comb brushes) or wire brushes work well. After final rinse, to wisk(?) out most all of the agent, and brush bristles smooth while press drying on a paper towel. Allow them to dry in that position to maintain bristle shape.



                      "I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

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