How to Clean Latex Paintbrushes

You can get many uses out of a paintbrush with the proper cleaning technique.

A quality paint job starts with a quality paintbrush. And quality paintbrushes aren't cheap. But you can get years of work out of one brush if you properly clean it. Latex is a water-based paint, so you don't need chemicals to clean the brush. It's best if you have a utility sink to clean your latex paintbrush.

Things You'll Need

• Wire brush

Instructions

1. Press the paintbrush against the bottom of a sink and let warm water run onto the bristles. Continue lifting and pressing the brush against the sink bottom while running under water until the color runs almost transparent.

2. Turn the paint brush over and let a gentle stream of warm water run directly into the bristles while "squeezing" the bristles together. Continue this until the water is running almost clear out of the bristles.

3. Hold the brush by the handle and use the wire brush to clean the remaining paint from the heel, which is where the bristles come out of the metal band. Do this by brushing from the heel toward the tip of the bristles.

4. Repeat Step 1. You should see the water running clear after a few presses. "Spin" the water out of the brush and store in the original cover for the next use.

Tips & Warnings

• A paint brush "spinner" is a valuable purchase if you plan to do a lot of painting. It can also be used to spin excess water out of roller sleeves after cleaning. Paint brush spinners are available in most paint stores.

• Be careful not to splash onto surrounding areas (curtains, carpets, etc.)

References

• Wood Zone: How to Clean a Paintbrush
• Ask the Builder: Cleaning Paint Brushes