How to care for your Brushes?

The 4 Golden Rules of Kolinsky Brush Care:

When using acrylic paint

1. NEVER allow paint to dry on your brush.
2. NEVER leave your brush standing in water.
3. ALWAYS rinse your brush regularly and clean it properly after every use.
4. ALWAYS moisten your brush tip before use.

Cleaning Sable Hair (and synthetic) Brushes:

Step 1: Wipe off any excess acrylic paint onto a clean paper towel or lint-free rag.

Step 2: Swirl the brush head in a container of clean water or rinse it under cool running water to remove paint residue. (Never leave a brush standing in water).

Step 3: To maintain your brushes, clean them regularly, ideally at the end of each painting session. Use mild soap, shampoo (as brush hairs are like human hair), or specialized brush soap/cleaner.

Use cold water for sable hair brushes. Use lukewarm water for hog and synthetic brushes.

Gently massage the bristles against a smooth, shallow surface, such as the palm of your hand. This helps the soap penetrate the hairs and break up any dried paint lodged in the brush’s belly.

Step 4: Repeat the rinsing process until the water runs completely clear and no pigment residue is visible on the brush hairs. Focus especially on thoroughly cleaning the heel of the brush. While some pigments might cause slight staining, this will not impact the brush’s performance or its lifespan.

Step 5: Gently reshape the tip of the brush using a tiny amount of brush cleaner and allow it to air dry. Use the protective cap, if available, especially if the brush will not be used for a while or is to be stored in a drawer or box.