As an artist, you know how dear your art supplies are to your heart.

Though cleaning your art supplies and paintbrushes isn’t the best part about painting, it needs to be done. Proper cleaning will ensure longevity, and keep your brushes healthy and usable for a very long time.

Here’s how you should be cleaning your art supplies.

End of Session

At the end of your painting session, make sure to give your paint brushes a good squeeze using a paper towel. Get the paint off as much as you can by running the bristles through a paper towel, and use soap to clean the rest of the paint off your brushes. Make sure you’re using cold water, since warm water leads to the paint settling in the bristles of your paint brush. Next, use a moisturizing soap for your brushes, and manually wash the bristles of your brush using the soap to ensure that all the pain is out. Rinse and repeat until all the paint is out.

Removing Dried Paint

Before the paint is completely dry, use a moisturizing soap on the tip of the brush, but try not to twist them. Rinse, and place them horizontally on a towel to let them dry. Don’t stress too much if the soap hasn’t rinsed off properly, because the soap will protect the brush from hardening completely.

Many times, we’re too busy or too forgetful to clean our brushes during or after our art sessions. However, not to worry— there are many effective techniques to help us clean them out. Rub alcohol on your brushes, but apply moisturizing soap afterwards to ensure that your bristles don’t dry out completely.

Storing Art Supplies

Storing comes in the realm of cleaning your art supplies. If you don’t have enough space in your workstation, place your brushes in a rectangular box such as a shoebox. Wrap the head of your brushes with cling film if you’re in the middle of a project, and place them in an airtight bag, keeping them fresh for one or two days. 

Looking for some new art supplies?

Check out King’s Framing & Art Gallery! From acrylic paint sets to paint brushes and calligraphy tools online, they’ve got all the art supplies you’ll need! Delivering all across Canada, you can now buy professional drawing tools, drawing and painting accessories, and every other art supply you can think of online.

Get in touch with them at 705-752-4211 or email them at info@kingsframingandartgallery.com for more info on their services.