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IMG_7097

Helen Martell

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hello, What can you recommend for cleaning brushes? I've used 'zest-it' in the past with moderate success (amd its a bit pricey for a small amount). Had similar success with regular brush cleaner from a DIY store, but it didn't agree with some of the brush handles on some brushes (made the surface sticky). I'm reluctant to even use some brushes I received as a gift, as I know they were very expensive, incase I ruin them! I've got loads of past their best brushes which could do with a proper clean, particularly the bigger brushes which get a bit of a clog where the brush joins the handle....
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, NAPA

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Oil paint?  Thick kitchen towels - squeeze the paint out, work the brush into the towel until most of it's gone, then - plain soap and water.  Soap and rinse them in the palm of your hand.  It works fine - you don't need spirits, or special cleansers, or anything beyond plain household soap.  
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, NAPA

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And the same for acrylics - in fact, especially the same for acrylics, because you don't want ANY solvents to react with those brushes, which should be kept separate from your oil painting brushes.  SOAP - WATER - RINSE.  And there you are. 
michael

Michael Edwards

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For acrylic I always use an old towel to protect the work surface. When I clean a brush its just a vigorous clean in my water pot and then a good rub on the flat towel - simples.  I've used this method for years and it's always served me in good stead and the brushes are none the worse fior it including my favourite brush: a ladies blusher which I use for blending (far better than any of the commercial brushes sold for this purpose and it only cost 90p from Wilko). 
IMG_7097

Helen Martell

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So far I have only used water and the palm of my hand or vigorous stirring to get my acrylic brushes clean. Even if I have accidentally left one for days which I am ready to admit I have done more than once in 18 months, a good soak in warm water, some palm rubbing, more soaking and they have all come good. At least, to me as I am no expert but I did read numerous times the palm of the hand is very good for agitating brushes without ripping out the bristles. I also must be honest I haven't kept track of what kind of brushes I am cleaning, camel hair, nylon etc. But this works on fans, rounds and liners (be more gentle the weaker looking the brush)
Stan Iredale on 23/02/2020 23:52:06
I have been a bit lazy in the past, leaving brushes in the dirty water tub, etc, and for longer than a few days! 😱
IMG_7097

Helen Martell

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And the same for acrylics - in fact, especially the same for acrylics, because you don't want ANY solvents to react with those brushes, which should be kept separate from your oil painting brushes.  SOAP - WATER - RINSE.  And there you are. 
Robert Jones, NAPA on 23/02/2020 23:13:39
Yes, it's acrylic, so I will try the soap and water method and see if some of my worst kept brushes will improve!  Thank you everyone for your input 😀
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, NAPA

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We are of course deeply shocked .....   I am by nature lazy, a procrastinator par-excellence.  But the one thing I always do is clean my brushes properly - the dangers of keeping them in water for days are a) they can lose their shape, b) water can creep up into the ferrule and weaken the glue, crack the varnish on the handle, even split the wood.  And then you've got to buy new ones.  Which is where my other weakness trumps my laziness - I hate spending money.

Michael Monaghan

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Some very good advice....Michael
Moi 17

Linda Wilson

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I have just acquired some Daler Rowney brushes for acrylic paint.  They wash out in water very easily.  They even come with a lifetime guarantee.  I don't know what they are made of, but I suspect something synthetic  - maybe silicon?
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, NAPA

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A form of nylon, probably.  Would this be the Dalon range?  I have several of them, and they are indeed hard to kill - should you ever want to.
Moi 17

Linda Wilson

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I don't think they are the Dalon range.  They are System 3.  I thought I would mention them as they wash out much easier than other synthetic brushes that I have - they don't even seem to need any soap and there is no build up towards the ferule.
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, NAPA

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System 3 - I'll look 'em up - I could do with some synthetics that are easy to clean: there's always the worry that you've left some paint residue in the ferrule, and then find the brush less responsive when you next come to use it.  
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