The Best Way to Clean Acrylic Paint Brushes

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Many newcomers to the world of painting and arts do not pay enough attention to the process of cleaning work tools from paint. A rigid brush with dried paint becomes completely unusable for the next painting. Therefore, you will either have to buy a new tool or try to clean it. Careful attitude to brushes should not be neglected. Good, neat brushes are the key to successful work and budget savings.

How to clean acrylic brushes

Acrylic paint dries very quickly, so it's best to clean your brushes right away. If you don't have time at all, you can put the brushes in a glass of water to prevent the paint from drying out. But you can leave the brushes like this for a short time; otherwise, the water will affect the instrument negatively. The bristles will stick out in different directions, the metal base will rust, and the wooden handle will deteriorate and flake.

Tip! When working on a painting with acrylic paints, place a glass of water next to it. This will allow you to rinse your brushes periodically before applying new paint.

Acrylic paint brushes cleanup:

1. Take all brushes and rinse the bristles thoroughly under warm running water.
2. You can also use laundry soap and a scrubbing sponge.
3. Lather up the soap and wash the brushes with the foam.
4. Be sure to rinse all bristles separately to remove even the smallest particles of paint.
5. Afterwards, rinse the brushes with water again.
6. Then, wipe off excess moisture with a towel or rag.
7. Shape the bristles of the brushes and let them dry.

How to clean brushes from acrylic paint when the paint is dry

Removing dried acrylic paint from brushes is not as easy as immediately after using them, but it is quite possible. To avoid damaging the brush, you do not need to scrape the paint dry. In this case, it is necessary to use a solvent for acrylic paints.

If you don't have one on hand, use Stoddard solvent, Pinene, or turpentine instead. But remember to work with solvents carefully. Do not allow it to come into contact with the bristles on the mount. Otherwise, the solvent will corrode the glue and your brush will lose its bristles.

Tip! Excess paint may remain on the brush after finishing the painting. This can be removed with wet wipe or a rag. Then start washing your brushes.

Basic brush care rules:

1. The brush should only dry in a horizontal position.
2. Do not leave the brush in water with the bristles down.
3. When cleaning acrylic brushes, use an old toothbrush as an abrasive element if necessary.
4. It is recommended to wear an elastic band on the bristles so that the tool dries in the correct shape.
5. If, after cleaning, there are loose bristles on the brush, they should be removed with tweezers.
6. Never leave the brush in a can of solvent for a long time, the rim will rust and the bristles will fall out. You will no longer be able to work with such a tool.
7. If you have a break, put the brush in a plastic bag so it won't dry out.

How do you usually clean acrylic brushes?