A Shade of Art

I’m sure most beginner artists do not spend late nights lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about the different qualities of paintbrushes out there to buy.

I certainly would hope not!

Most art paint brushes in the major market use either natural or synthetic hairs. Synthetic paint brushes are generally cheaper, ranging from $4 to $20.

Natural hairbrushes, such as badger, squirrel, or goat bristles, provide unique brushstrokes in your artwork because of the way the hair absorbs the paint. However, they may cost you from $200 to $350.

If you can sell a piece of artwork for $5000 or more, I would certainly go for it. However, if you value your $3 paintbrush, then it is recommended that you clean it after each use.

So, in this blog, I will discuss with you how to do it without all the hassle.

 

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint can turn your paint into a stiff substance. You will not be able to use them again.

Dry time: 10 – 15 minutes

Damage: Stiffen

How to clean

·         Rinse with hot water for 30 seconds

·         Add a little soap and work it with your fingers.

·         Lie them flat on dry paper.

Watercolor paint

Watercolor paint is easy to handle because it is water-soluble. However, if water gets into the ferrule too often, it can loosen the glue in the bristles. This leads to shedding.

Dry time: 15-20 minutes

Damage: Shedding and stiffening

How to clean

·         Rinse with cold water.

·         Add a little soap.

·         Gently dry the edges.

·         Lay the brushes flat.

Oil Paint

Oil paint can be complicated to clean, and a simple rinse-and-dry method does not work. What makes oil paint complicated is that the material does not come off the brush easily, and if it is not cleaned properly, the bristles will stiffen and become unusable.

Dry time: 30 minutes

Damage: Stiffen and lose shape

How to clean

·         Wipe gently off the paint with a towel.

·         Take a cup and pour an oil dissolver, such as turpentine, and swirl the brush in the cup.

·         Wash with light soap in warm water

·         Rinse off

·         Lay flat on a towel to dry.

It is important to get the most bang for your buck with your art supplies. I don’t expect you to use a $4 paintbrush for over 30 years.

4-12 months is ideal.

Just a reminder, if you take care of your supplies, your supplies will take care of you!

So, start cleaning today!