How to Clean Paintbrushes - Oil-Based Paint

Paintbrushes are expensive. Protect your investment by cleaning them immediately after use. A paintbrush used with oil-based paints can wear out quickly if not cleaned and stored properly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brushes
• Paint Thinner
• Paints
• Wire Brushes
• Paint Thinner
• Buckets

1. Pour approximately 1/2 qt. paint thinner into a clean bucket.

2. Dip the bristles into the paint thinner and swish around.

3. Comb paint from the bristles with a wire brush.

4. Dip the bristles into the paint thinner again and swish.

5. Throw out the used paint thinner and clean out the bucket.

6. Repeat this process two more times.

7. Place the handle of the paintbrush in the palms of your hands and rub hands back and forth to shake out residual moisture. Do this over a paper bag or bucket to keep the liquid from spraying on you.

8. Place the paintbrush back into its cover or wrap with plastic.

Tips & Warnings

• Dispose of used paint thinner carefully and keep it away from children.

[commediluce]

on 7/11/2009 This eHow should be removed or edited...
WHY should I read eHows if I must read ALL the steps AND the comments to realize that no authors know the whole picture?!!

[kym2481]

on 6/30/2008 I think I'll just use acrylics next time :)

[Tosa85]

on 5/31/2007 NEVER dispose of paint thinner casually, especially when using oil-based paints with Cadmiums and Cobalts

My recommendations:
1) Find a small sealable/airtight container
2) Find a patch of metal screen or other metal mesh and form a "half dome;" then insert dome side up into the container
3) Find adequate ventilation: MAKE SURE you have enough fresh air for the safety of you and others
4) Add mineral spirits/paint thinner to a line about 1/2 inch above the top of the metal screen
5) Move the brush gently (also firmly depending upon how loaded the brush is with paint) across the top of the screen to loosen the oil-based pigment
6) If need be wipe the brush clean with a cotton cloth and store the cloth OUTSIDE of your home
7) Do these steps if you are using bristle brushes. If you are using more expensive sable brushes, clean with baby oil. Your brushes will thank you!

[scienceman]

on 4/13/2007 If you choose not to use thinner due to the environmental considerations try utilizing a specialized environmentally friendly hydrocarbon mitigation agent that works with both hydrophobic (does not mix with water) and hydrophillic (mixes well with water)consituents. You can then clean the brushes with a water based cleaning solution. This helps to prevent damage to your plumbing as well as to our environment.

on 6/30/2006 Oil based paints and stains will largely settle out of mineral spirits after a few hours (or overnight). If the paint thinner is stored in a covered can, the clarified liquid can be poured into another container and recycled for cleaning additional brushes. The residue can be allowed to evaporate outside, and the dried paint or stain can be disposed of in the regular trash bin.