Basics of oil painting: The complete guide on how to wash your brushes from oil paint

There are many tips on how to keep your brushes clean and fresh and to save old dirty brushes.
The best way is to clean all the brushes right after the painting session is over. However, sometimes you'll find out that there is a certain amount of paint stuck into the brush and the base of the bristle become solid. It often happens when you are using a soap bar, because it's hard to rinse the base of the brush.

My lovely dog is always interested in everything around

Ways to keep the brushes clean

Everyday routine

1. Put them into the mix of the warm water and detergent for an hour. Then wash them with soap.

2. Put the brushes into turpentine then wash with a soapy water. If you'll be painting tomorrow you can let the brushes stay in turp for all night.

3. Wipe the brushes with a towel soaked in turpentine. Then wash with a soap.

4. You'll need to have 2 jars with turpentine (or a dishwashing liquid). Put the spring on the bottom of the each jar. Wash the brush in the first jar (wash away most of the paint), wipe the brush. Wash the brush in the second jar where the turp is almost clean. Dip the brush into the oil and dry with a towel.

Sounds a bit complicated but here is the super useful video by missartist123 that shows the process.

It's a good idea to buy a special brush washer

Saving old brushes

1. If the brushes weren't used for a long time and the paint dry you can use a dishwashing liquid (DL) - pour the pure DL into the jar so it covers the bristle. Leave them there overnight. Then wash with a soap.

2. You can replace the dishwashing liquid with a vegetable oil. It's also a good idea to wash your hands from oil paint with the vegetable oil after the painting session, because even the good soap can make your hands dry.

The spring over the brush washer helps to keep the shape of the bristle

Tips and tricks

- Don't forget to always wipe off the paint from the brush, squeezing them from the base of the bristle to the tip. It will make the everyday process of washing your brushes easier and faster.

It's not a good idea to squeeze the paint with your hands.

- Most of the turpentine smells too strong for the home (there are also an odorless versions) plus it is flammable and requires a responsible use. If you aren't working in an own studio I would recommend to use soap and dishwashing liquid instead of turp.

- Some artists recommend to wrap the brush in paper to keep the shape of the bristle.