Whether you are a beginner or a professional printer, you have to take care of your paint brushes and make them last longer. You have to try to make the most of your brushes with effective care, and make them last for as long as possible. Here are some effective tips from ArtRight, one of the biggest art supply stores online, to help you care for your paint brushes and prolong their lifespan.

1.Choose quality brushes

When you invest in a professional paint brush set in the first place, you can get high-quality brushes designed with superior materials. You can expect comfortable handles, strong ferrules and durable bristles. These types of brushes can easily resist shedding and can retain their shape even after being used repeatedly for various painting tasks. These can be cleaned and maintained with convenience.

Order your art supply from reliable sources, and you can be assured of the quality aspect. Look for brushes that suit your medium properly. Choose brushes with natural bristles for oil paints and synthetic bristles for watercolor and acrylic paintings. If you want to go for detailed work, you might like to expand your collection and also purchase specialty tools such as brush markers that come with the precision of a pen and the flexibility of a brush.

2. Clean right after using

Even when you choose the best oil paint brushes, keep in mind that brushes often wear out early as the paint gets dried in the bristles and is not cleaned right after use. Be sure to clean your brushes right after every painting session. When it comes to water-based paints such as watercolor or acrylic, you should rinse your brushes thoroughly in lukewarm water. Gently swirl your brushes, to get rid of excess paint. Clean the bristles with mild soap until you find the water running clear.

If you have to get rid of oil-based paint from your brushes, you should use a rag to rub off as much paint from the bristles as possible. Then you should use turpentine, mineral spirit or a similar solvent to break down the rest of the paint. Follow up by thoroughly washing the brush with soap and water. Keep in mind that you should never use hot water for cleaning your brushes. Since it may compromise the adhesive that keeps the bristles secured.

3. Shape and store properly

Once you clean up the brushes properly, you should gently reshape the bristles with your fingers to get them back to their original form. Lay the paint brushes flat, to get them dried by air. Or you can also suspend them outside, with the bristle side down. Avoid storing your brushes with the bristles facing upward, as moisture might seep in and cause damage.

Also, do not store your brushes in any closed container while they are still damp. It is essential to get them air-dried properly, to prevent mildew and warping.

4. Use the right brush for the job

You have to keep in mind that every paint brush has a specific paint purpose for which it is designed. Do not overload a delicate liner brush with thick oil paint. Likewise, do not use a stiff bristle one to brush for watery washes. Using the wrong brush can lead to premature wear. To extend their lifespan, choose brushes that match the medium and painting technique

5. Don’t Soak Brushes for Too Long

You can easily damage your brushes if you leave them in solvent or water for long. When you soak them for more time than required, you can end up softening the glue that holds the bristles in the ferrule. It can lead to shedding, splaying, and eventual detachment.

That is why, you should keep your brushes flat on a damp cloth. Or you can keep them in a brush holder temporarily, to have them suspended without soaking. When you buy brush markers online, you should buy a brush holder at the same time.

6. Deep-clean, weekly

When it comes to cleaning up brushes that are used frequently, you should perform a deep cleaning, once every week. Use a conditioning soap or a brush cleaner that is specifically designed for artists’ usage. This can help you to get rid of residual paint as well as recondition the bristles of your brushes, keeping them flexible and supple.

Gently work the cleaner into the bristles and make sure to rinse them completely. When they are cleaned up, you should reshape and dry them as usual.

Final Thoughts

When you order art supplies from a good source and take proper care of your paint brushes, you not only extend their lifespan, you can improve your whole creative process. Whether it comes to selection, cleaning storage or proper usage, your small habits can make a big difference to your artwork outcome. So, whether you are a seasoned professional or a hobbyist, follow these tips from ArtRight and enjoy a seamless painting experience at all times.