Brush Care Buying good quality brushes is one thing; keeping them in good condition is another. To do so, proper cleaning and storing methods are required, and those will vary based on the paint used and the nature of a brush’s bristles.
Watercolour and tempera paints
Brushes must be dried flat or on a stand with their bristles down. To avoid crushing a brush’s bristles, a brush should never be left soaking in a bowl with liquid for a long period of time. Prolonged humidity could make a brush’s wooden handle swell and its varnish crack.
Tap water can be used to rinse watercolour and tempera paint from brush bristles. If necessary, a mild hand soap can be used then rinsed well. Acrylic paints Acrylic paint becomes permanent once dry. As such, brushes should be cleaned with water immediately after each session. Because acrylics dry quickly, this must sometimes be done while working. Oil paints
Find the spiral brush stand and f ilter on page 375 (1201698).
Oil paints can be cleaned using solvents such as turpentine or taltine. Once brushes have been cleaned, they should be thoroughly washed with soapy water to remove any trace of solvent, which could burn the fibres if left on too long.
Bristle length (mm)
Bristle length (mm)
Ferrule width (mm)
Ferrule diameter (mm)
This diagram illustrates the various characteristics of a brush. The same symbols are used on the following pages to help you choose the right brushes.
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