How to Store a Paint Brush

You don't have to buy new brushes for each new paint job. You can save money by maintaining the brushes you already have. Paintbrushes that are properly stored should last up to two years.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brown paper grocery sacks
• Rubber bands
• Paintbrush hanging rack or hooks

1. Wash the paintbrush thoroughly after use. Water based paints can be easily cleaned off using warm water. Oil based paints will require paint thinner.
   
   

2. Be careful when washing not to bend the paintbrush back and forth. Let the water run over and through the paintbrush.
   
   

3. As an alternative cleaning method, swirl your paintbrush in a bucket of water. Do not crush or smash the brush on the bottom of the bucket or sink.

4. Let your paintbrush hang to drip dry or squeeze water out from top to bottom. The key is to keep bristles straight.

5. Prepare a wrap for your paintbrush out of an old paper grocery sack. Cut just enough to fit around the paintbrush bristles and secure it with a rubber band.

6. Store paintbrush in its original cardboard slip whenever possible.

7. Hang all paintbrushes by the handle. This allows the bristles to hang straight and dry in their natural shape.
   
   

Tips & Warnings

• Wash paintbrushes thoroughly after each use. Do not let the paint dry in the brush.
• Take care not to bend or break paintbrush bristles.
• If you want to go back to painting after a break, wrap your paintbrush in a plastic kitchen wrap to keep it from drying out.