AboutRobert M. Vincent Experience Past/Present clients include several galleries and specialty retail shops in Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. Also, several commissions in Watercolor, Oil Paintings, Glass & Tile Mosiac, Charcoal, and Metal Sculpture from large corporations to private collectors.
Expert: Robert M. Vincent Date: 7/7/2008 Subject: cleaning paint brushes
Question QUESTION: I am an amateur painter. My method of cleaning paint brushes after doing some oil painting is apparently not good. After oil painting for about an hour, I dip and clean with turp (Turpenoid), then wipe off with water as much as possible, then let the brushes air dry till the next day. Sometimes, though, I find the brushes have hardened. (BTW, I use walnut oil in my paints.) Is there a better method for cleaning the paint brushes?
ANSWER: Dear David,
I sincerely apologize, I sent you a response the day after I got your question but I have no idea what happened. In any event, let's get this question answered for you.
There are a few items that I would suggest you getting if you don't already own them. The first is a premium (i.e., glass) Brush Cleaning Tank with an internal aluminum coil. You can find this product at Dickblick.com for $6.41 (product # B06909-1005). The second product is a premium turpentine or turpenoid; to be placed in the brush cleaning tank (product #'s B01010-1007 / B00443-1007). Finally, I highly recommend Master's Brush Cleaner and Preserver, I have used this product all of my professional painting career and love it! You can find this product at DickBlick.com as well and the product # is B05702-1004.
Please note that I have NO connection with nor to Dick Blick Art Materials and I urge you to use whoever you are comfortable with. In the event that you have not used an online art material supplier before, I will list art material suppliers that I have used personally and know to be reputable and price competitive.
Again, I apologize about the delay of my response to your question. I sincerely hope I have answered your question to your satisfaction; however, if you have any additional questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Vincent
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QUESTION: I will check out your suggestions. No problem about the delay. What about the sequence: Turp, water, air dry - is that a good method, and does it matter in what direction the brushes are air-drying? I lay them down horizontally with the brush part not touching anything. TY
Answer I suggest removing as much oil paint as possible in the brush cleaning tank containing turpenoid. Thereafter, I place the brush in the container of Master's brush cleaner and Preserver. Once I have a nice coating of the brush cleaner and preserver, I swirl it back and forth in the palm of my hand. Then I wash the brush with copious amounts of water and then apply another coat of brush cleaner and preserver and wash again. At this point, I hold the brush at a 90 degree angle and gently lay the sides of the brush back and forth on a smooth dry cloth as if making wide brush strokes with paint. Finally, I (making sure there is no oil on my fingers) use my fingers to shape the brush in the same position it was in when I bought it and allow it to dry with the bristle end standing up.
NEVER EVER allow brushes to stay in the brush cleaning tank with solvent for anything more than necessary (30 minutes maximum). Once the bristles of a brush have been bent, they are almost impossible to reform.
