A quality artist brush is a significant investment — some sable brushes cost over $50 each. The difference between brushes that last 20 years and brushes that are ruined in a month is almost entirely maintenance. Here is exactly how to care for your brushes whatever medium you work in.

The Golden Rule: Never Let Paint Dry in the Ferrule

The ferrule is the metal band that holds the bristles. Paint that dries inside the ferrule pushes the bristles outward over time, permanently splaying them. This is the most common and most devastating form of brush damage. Never rest brushes bristle-down in water or solvent, and never leave paint sitting in brushes unattended.

Cleaning Acrylic Brushes

  1. Wipe excess paint on a rag while paint is still wet
  2. Rinse under lukewarm running water, working paint out from ferrule to tip
  3. Lather with bar soap or The Masters Brush Cleaner — the best brush soap available
  4. Work soap through bristles with your palm, rinse, repeat until water runs clear
  5. Reshape bristles while wet and store bristle-up or flat

Note: If acrylic paint dries in a brush, soak it in isopropyl alcohol or brush restorer for an hour before cleaning.

Cleaning Oil Brushes

  1. Wipe excess oil paint onto newspaper or a rag
  2. Dip and swirl in odorless mineral spirits to release the bulk of paint
  3. Wipe on a rag, repeat in fresh solvent until mostly clean
  4. Wash with soap and warm water to remove solvent residue
  5. Rinse thoroughly — soap residue interferes with oil paint

Cleaning Watercolor Brushes

Watercolor is the most forgiving for brush care. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, reshape, and air dry. Never leave watercolor brushes standing in water — it softens and distorts the handle lacquer over time.

Storage

  • Short-term: Store horizontally or bristle-up in a jar or brush holder
  • Long-term storage: Wrap clean, dry brushes in paper and store flat. Cedar chips deter moths from natural-hair brushes.
  • Travel: A brush roll protects bristles without crushing them

Reconditioning Damaged Brushes

Splayed brushes can often be rescued. Apply brush soap or hair conditioner, reshape the bristles with your fingers, and secure with a rubber band in the correct shape while drying overnight. This works surprisingly well on brushes that have started to splay.