Cleaning and Traveling with Paintbrushes (Without Damage)

search

Cleaning and Traveling with Paintbrushes (Without Damage)

Paintbrush Care by Sondra Hanson, Missoula, MT

I have purchased many commercial paint brush cleaners and have found a product that works quicker & better for me than any of the ones made specifically for brush cleaning. It's 409 Cleaner. It can be found in the cleaning and laundry supply section of any grocery store. I spray it on my brushes and work it through as any other cleaner . Then rinse well and stroke your brush over a bar of Ivory soap to hold its shape. (Be sure to rinse your brush before using to remove the Ivory soap.) When traveling with your paint brushes, use a wooden dowel that's longer than any of your brushes to rubber band your brushes onto. This way you they can travel either horizontally or vertically without damaging the bristles.

Your Recently Viewed Projects

Leave a Comment

Rate

Cancel Reply to Comment

Thanks for your comment. Don't forget to share!

We dont have a cleaning agent 409 cleaner in South Africa, are there any alternative local brands. I thank you for a very practical and economical way of traveling with brushes. Fanie Schoeman Bellville Western Cape South Africa

Or, you can paint with Genesis Paints and hardly ever have to clean your brushes as the paint doesn't dry on your brushes. www.genesispaints.com

Did you know,if you fail to clean your brushes soon enough,you can use vinegar ? Just let them soak over night.

Great idea of using 409! Love this.

does it work on oils? how long does the 409 have to stay on the brush?and thank you very much for this tip 409 and the only soap i can use so its all ready here is way cheaper than 40 a month for the stuff i am using now

I am starting on my painting adventure and this is most appreciated! Thank you...(I'm an old broad)

Great info! Here is an additional note: Water is often a premium when painting in remote areas. So, I wrap my brushes in a plastic bag until I get home. This keeps them moist. Also, I use a "frog" to clean my bristles. This resembles a bed of nails and is used for holding flowers in place in an arrangement.

Thanks for the information . It helps out tremendously We paint alot and this will help out so much .

I can't wait to try this. I paint Gourds as well as other items.I travel to craft shows and am excited to have this bit of information.Thanks

Have used the straw technique with great success

I will give it a try. I know about the ivory soap to clean my watercolor brushes, but did not know of the 409 cleaner. Thank you for the hint.

Love the 409 and ivory soap suggestion. Will try this next time.

I have an even better suggestion. Take a straw and slit it down the side. Now cut it in 12. Slide the brush inside the straw from the bottom. When you get to your destination, just slide the straw off. Works great!

Can't wait to try the 409, ivory soap and dowel suggestions. One final step that I would also suggest is that I finally wrap my brushes for transport in a thick, used cloth placemat being careful to extend at least an inch or so over the bristles.

Close

Report Inappropriate Comment

Are you sure you would like to report this comment? It will be flagged for our moderators to take action.

Thank you for taking the time to improve the content on our site.

Close Window