As an oil painter, you should already understand how difficult it can be to remove oil paint from your hands, clothing and especially your brushes. Unlike acrylic paint, you cannot wash the paint away with a little bit of water. Instead, you'll need to put in a little more effort and will need the right oil paint brush cleaner. There are a few oil paint brush cleaners on the market, but only one of them will prove to be perfect for your needs. Below, you will learn everything you need to low about cleaning oil paint brushes.
Choosing An Oil Paint Brush Cleaner
First, you will need to find a good brush cleaner. Choosing the right one for your particular situation will depend on a number of different factors. Are you going to be painting inside or outside? Do you have asthma or any breathing problems? Remember that there are cleaners, which can be very harsh. If you are going to be required to paint in a studio, you may want to consider choosing a odorless and less harsh cleaner. The Mona Lisa Paint Thinner is a good option. It is odorless, fairly safe and won't cause you to choke. Unfortunately, it isn't as effective as some of its harsher alternatives.
On the other hand, you may want to choose The Masters Brush Cleaner, which is available from General Pencil. This stuff works great and lasts for an incredibly long period of time. The best aspect of all is the fact that the brush cleaner actually smells good! Finally, you might want to opt for Jack Richeson's Lindseen Studio Soap. The stuff is harmless, long lasting, effective and I think it smells good, although others may feel differently.
On the other hand, you may want to choose The Masters Brush Cleaner, which is available from General Pencil. This stuff works great and lasts for an incredibly long period of time. The best aspect of all is the fact that the brush cleaner actually smells good! Finally, you might want to opt for Jack Richeson's Lindseen Studio Soap. The stuff is harmless, long lasting, effective and I think it smells good, although others may feel differently.
Cleaning Oil Paint Brushes
Once you've gotten your cleaner and some paper towels, you'll be ready to clean your brushes. Thankfully, the process is fairly easy. First, you should begin by squeezing all of the excess paint out of the brush's bristles. Once this has been completed, you can introduce your brushes to the brush cleaner. Using some type of brush washer or cleaning tank is recommended. I have used the cheaper Mona Lisa Brush Cleaning Tank and its serves its purpose well. However, if you wish for a better alternative, you might want to opt for Guerrilla Painter's 10-Ounce Brush Washer. This one is much more portable and more durable.
Once you've gently brushes the bristles in the cleaner, you will want to pull it out and dry them thoroughly. If more paint remains, you may want to repeat the process, until all of the paint has been removed. Finally, you should clean the brush with a little bit of soap. The Masters Brush Cleaner is recommended here. Be sure to use lukewarm water. After the brushes are thoroughly clean, you should sit them upright, so the bristles aren't disturbed
Once you've gently brushes the bristles in the cleaner, you will want to pull it out and dry them thoroughly. If more paint remains, you may want to repeat the process, until all of the paint has been removed. Finally, you should clean the brush with a little bit of soap. The Masters Brush Cleaner is recommended here. Be sure to use lukewarm water. After the brushes are thoroughly clean, you should sit them upright, so the bristles aren't disturbed
Conclusion
At the end of the day, your brushes are vital and you should go above and beyond to keep them protected! Above, you have found a quick guide, which will educate you how to properly clean your oil brushes. Be sure to find the right cleaner, be gentle and clean your brushes after each use. By doing so, your investment will be better protected!
At the end of the day, your brushes are vital and you should go above and beyond to keep them protected! Above, you have found a quick guide, which will educate you how to properly clean your oil brushes. Be sure to find the right cleaner, be gentle and clean your brushes after each use. By doing so, your investment will be better protected!