How To Clean Oil Paint Brushes

Getting clean your paint brushes after using oil paints!

Your brushes are your tools and we want to help you preserve and use them after use from oil painting!

Begin by wiping off any paint

When cleaning your oil painting brushes begin by wiping off any paint onto a rag or paper towel. Next apply a quantity of odorless mineral spirits (referred to as paint thinner) to cleanse the brushes.

Swish the brushes, in the mineral spirits until the paint begins to loosen then wash them in water. Repeat these steps until the brushes are free of paint and reshape them while they are still damp.

Cleaning Oil Paint From Brushes

We often get asked frequently asked questions about cleaning oil paint from brushes, what’s the best to use, how to clean them and how to preserve brushes for prolonged use as artists will also use oil painting solvents to clean brushes and other painting tools.

Cleaning oil paint from artist brushes requires thorough and careful cleaning as well as the right solvents or soaps to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the brushes

Disposal: Make sure not to dispose of used mineral spirits or other solvents down the drain or, in the trash. It’s best to gather them in a container and bring them to a hazardous waste disposal facility.

See simple tips, techniques and products that will help you clean oil paint from your brushes plus preserve your brushes for longer use which can be seen in the video along with solvents show here in this article to help you clean oil paints out of your brushes for prolonged use.

Watch the Video To Learn Now: How To Clean Your Oil Paint Brushes & Top Sellers for Brush Cleaning Supplies Seen Below

Supplies To Clean and Preserve Oil Painting Brushes

Supplies Used in this Video

NOTE: Click on images to go to product pages

A Safer Natural Alternative To Turpentine That Actually Smells Like Lavender!

Chelsea Classical Studio Lavender Brush Cleaner

Made from 100% natural distilled fruits and flowers, featuring lavender, Chelsea Classical Studio’s Lavender Brush Cleaner is a safer natural alternative to turpentine, petroleum mineral spirits and other toxic solvents.

Easily clean and preserve your brushes!

Chelsea Classical Studio Lavender and Olive Oil Soap

All-Natural, Handmade Soap for Brushes!

This brush soap is handmade with only all-natural ingredients including olive oil and lavender which also gives off a pleasant aroma in the studio.

Don’t use harsh chemicals when you can use cleaner, healthier cleaners that are great for your health as well as your paint brushes.

Clean Up Oil, Acrylic and Other Paints With These Non-Toxic and Biodegradable Studio Cleaner & Paint Remover Wipes

SoHo Artist Studio Wipes – Brushes, Paints 

40 disposable cleaner wipes in each container
Disposable, pre-moistened wipes
Clean wet varnish, acrylics, oils & more

NOTE: Before trying out a brush cleaner it’s advisable to conduct a test on a section of your brushes to ensure they won’t get harmed. Also remember to adhere to any safety instructions mentioned on the product label or given by the manufacturer.

Cleaning brushes the better way

Designed to take 500ml (over a pint) of solvent and have plenty of room for sediments that might fall below the interior cleaning grate. The removable interior cleaning grate helps loosen paint and keeps clean solvent above its holes so you can constantly reuse it. 

Da Vinci Air Tight Brush Washer

With 500ml capacity! Made of stainless steel, this brush washer is designed to take 500ml (over a pint) of solvent and have plenty of room for sediments that might fall below the interior cleaning grate.

Stainless Steel Brush Washer and Dryer

A spiral brush holder and washer is a gadget, for tidying up and organizing paintbrushes the ones used for oil and acrylic painting. It usually includes a shaped stand connected to a base, with a handle.

Brush washer and dryer in one- The perfect combination! Spiral brush holder suspends brushes tightly, Does not crush or deform the brush tip and includes dryer rack and removable cleaning grate.

3 Tips for after you clean your brushes:

1. Shape the bristles: After cleaning, gently reshape the bristles with your fingers or use a brush comb to remove any remaining paint or soap residue trapped between the bristles.
2. Dry the brushes: Shake off excess water and gently squeeze the bristles with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Lay the brushes flat or hang them upside down with the bristles facing down to air dry.
3. Store brush hair down: Avoid storing them upright as it can cause water to seep into the ferrule and damage the brush. Sue a spiral or holder that suspends brushes tightly upside down holding them by the handle allowing excess water to drain down to NOT ruin the ferrule

MORE RESOURCES

• The Best Oil Paints
• Synthetic vs. Natural Brushes for Oil Painting
• How to Varnish Your Oil Paintings
• Solvent-Free Oil Painting
• How To Thicken Your Oil Paints
• 5 Pro Tricks for the Beginning Oil Painter