A lot of DIY decorators will just throw paint brushes in the bin rather than clean them after use, but this is a complete waste of money.
Water-Based Paint
If the paint brush has been used for emulsioning it can be cleaned very easily, remove excess paint off the paint brush and then rinse the paint brush under a running tap, eventually the water will run clear and your paint brush will be clean. Remove any remaining water by doing brush strokes on some newspaper. If the paint brush isn’t going to be used for a while, wrap it in some paper before putting it away.
Related: Decorating tips for beginners
Safety tip
The majority of paint brush cleaning solutions/solvents can give off harmful fumes, therefore they should be used in a well ventilated area. They are also flammable and can be an irritant to or even burn skin. Gloves and goggles should be used and the cleaning solution/solvent should be locked away out of the reach of children.
Oil-Based Paint
Paint brushes that have been used for gloss (oil-based paint) painting should again have the excess paint removed first. Then agitate the brush in a small container filled with white spirit.
When most of the paint has been removed, dry off the paintbrush on some newspaper and then agitate it again in a small container filled with paintbrush restorer.
When it is completely clean, wash the paint brush using some warm water and soap, rinse and dry again on some newspaper.
Using a simple cleaning method like this will help you to be able to reuse your paint brushes for years.
If the paint brush has been used and won’t be used again until say the following morning, wrap the bristles in cling film which will stop the paint from drying and leave it ready to use again the next day. This method is only suitable for short periods of time in between use.
