Maintaining Acrylic Painting Brushes: Tips and Tools
Acrylic paint is a popular medium among artists due to its versatility, vibrant colors, and quick drying time. However, these same properties can lead to challenges, especially when it comes to brush maintenance. If not properly cleaned, acrylic paint can harden and ruin your brushes, rendering them unusable. It's important to note that the cleaning methods for acrylic paint brushes are different from those used for oil paints, which require solvents. This post specifically focuses on maintaining acrylic painting brushes and ensuring their longevity.
Why Acrylic Paint Hardens on Brushes
Acrylic paint is water-based and dries quickly through the evaporation of water. Once it dries, it forms a plastic-like film that adheres strongly to the bristles of your brushes. If not cleaned immediately, the paint can harden, making it difficult, if not impossible, to remove. This can cause the bristles to become stiff and frayed, ultimately damaging the brush.
Essential Tools for Cleaning Brushes
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A Good Soap: If you want to be budget-friendly and use what you have at home, dish detergent works well. I use Dawn dish detergent, and it works quite well. If you prefer to use a professional cleaner, I personally like The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver - Studio Cake.
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Hand Sanitizer and Isopropyl Alcohol: For older and stubborn paint that has dried on the brushes, hand sanitizer can be a lifesaver. Its alcohol content helps dissolve the paint, making it easier to wash out. Apply a small amount to the brush, work it through the bristles, and then rinse thoroughly. If the paint is really stubborn, you can dip the brush in 90% + isopropyl alcohol. However, alcohol dries out brushes, so remember to use a gentle cleanser to restore the brush after you try to revive it.
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Brush Cleaning Pads: There are several professional brush cleaning pads available, but even the simpler ones work just as effectively. For instance, if you have kids who have used latch hook kits to create patterns with yarn on canvas, the textured tool from these kits can serve as an excellent brush cleaner. If you don't have one of these, you can find a wide variety of brush cleaning pads on Amazon. Simply search for "brush cleaning pad," and you'll find options ranging from $4 to $50. Personally, I use a $4 heart-shaped brush scrubber, and it works perfectly.
The Cleaning Procedure
To help you understand the washing procedure better, I've created a YouTube video that demonstrates the process step-by-step. In the video, I show you how to use these tools and share additional tips for keeping your brushes in excellent condition. You can watch the video.
By incorporating these tools and techniques into your brush cleaning routine, you can extend the life of your acrylic painting brushes and ensure they remain in great shape for your future artistic endeavors. Proper maintenance not only saves you money but also helps you achieve the best results in your artwork. Happy painting!
Here are some links to the other products mentioned in the article . Please note these are also available in craft shops.
91% alcohol.
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