To clean oil paint brushes, the most common and effective method is to use solvents such as turpentine, paint thinner, or mineral spirits. The process involves dipping the wet brush into the solvent, swirling it to loosen the paint, tapping off excess solvent, and then wiping the brush on a paper towel to remove remaining paint. This step may need to be repeated a few times until the brush is clean. After cleaning with solvent, it is important to wash the brush with warm water and dish soap to remove any remaining solvent and condition the bristles. Natural oils like linseed oil or safflower oil can also be used to clean brushes by dipping, wiping, and repeating until the paint is removed, followed by washing with soap and water. Some people prefer natural or eco-friendly cleaners such as Eco-Solve or Murphy’s Oil Soap, which work similarly but may leave some residue that needs to be washed out with soap and water afterward. Throughout, avoid leaving brushes soaking in solvent or water for long periods to prevent damage. Summary steps:
- Remove excess paint with paper towels.
- Dip brush in solvent (turpentine, mineral spirits) and swirl.
- Tap off excess solvent and wipe on paper towels; repeat as needed.
- Optionally use natural oils to loosen paint, wiping in between.
- Wash brush thoroughly with warm water and dish soap.
- Rinse and dry brushes immediately after cleaning.
This method ensures brushes are clean, conditioned, and preserved for future use.
