by Dorothy Sander

Created on: August 20, 2007

Caring for your paint brush is one of the most important aspects of any painting project. If you treat your brush as you would any expensive tool it will not only last a long time but will also give you quality results and make your painting job easier.

I always recommend buying a quality brush, like a Purdee or Wooster. These can be purchased at any paint store and most home improvement stores. Quality brushes not only perform better but are easier to care for.

When you complete your painting project for the day rinse your brush thoroughly under a stream of room temperature water (if possible). To work the paint out of the bristles, you can either place it in a bucket or empty paint as the clean water runs into the can and press the bristles against the bottom of the can bending them gently back and forth to force the water through them. You can also do this in the palm of your hand as the water runs over your brush. It is very important to keep this up until there is no sign of paint in the bristles.

If there is still dried paint deep in the brush you have two options. First, you can use a wire brush, which can be purchased wherever you purchased your brush. While effective it is not recommended as it can damage the bristles, especially if you are working with a quality brush. If you choose to do this regardless, you work the wire brush down the bristles from the feral to the bottom in the same direction as the bristles. This loosens the paint at the base of the brush. Continue to hold under running water as you do this. A second, preferable way to deal with dried paint in your bristles is to soak the brush in Krud Kutter. This is a cleaning product that can be found at Lowes, Home Depot and most paint stores. (You'll love it for all your cleaning projects.) It is very effective in removing dried paint from your brush when it is soaked over night. Rinse thoroughly after soaking. (You can clean up paint spills with this product as well.)

After your brush has been cleaned thoroughly tap it against your toe placing feral to tip of your shoe to shake out excess water. You can also use a brush spinner which can be purchased wherever you purchase your painting products. Once the excess water is removed place your brush back in the shuck (cardboard wrapper it came in) making sure the bristles lay smooth. Close the shuck and store. This will keep your brush in like new condition and will ensure ease of use in many future projects.

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