To clean acrylic paint brushes, wipe off the extra paint, rinse the brush in lukewarm water, wash the bristles gently with mild soap, rinse again, reshape the tip and let it dry lying flat. The key is doing it before the paint dries, because dry acrylic turns into plastic.
Good brushes make a real difference, especially on the small sections of a paint by numbers canvas. Here is how to keep yours in great shape.
While You Paint
- Keep a jar of water and a paper towel next to you.
- Rinse and blot the brush every time you switch colors, so shades don't mix on the canvas.
- Don't let paint creep up to the metal part of the brush (the ferrule). Dip only the tip.
- Never leave a brush standing bristles-down in the water jar. It bends the tip for good.
How to Clean Brushes After Painting
- Wipe off the extra paint with a paper towel or cloth.
- Rinse under lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can loosen the glue that holds the bristles.
- Wash with mild soap. Dish soap or a bar of brush soap works well. Work it gently into the bristles with your fingers, from the base to the tip.
- Rinse until the water runs clear.
- Reshape the tip with your fingers so the bristles come to a point.
- Dry lying flat or hanging with the bristles down, never standing upright while wet.
How to Clean Brushes With Dried Acrylic Paint
If paint has already dried in the bristles, don't throw the brush away yet.
- Soak just the bristles in rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) for 10 to 15 minutes. This softens dried acrylic.
- Gently work the paint loose with your fingers or an old comb.
- Wash with soap and water as above.
- For stubborn paint, repeat the soak, or use a store-bought brush cleaner made for acrylics.
Work in a ventilated room when using alcohol, and test it on one brush first, as some brush handles can lose their paint.
Tips to Make Your Brushes Last
- Use your smallest brush only for details and the larger ones for big areas.
- Store dry brushes upright in a cup, bristles up, or flat in a case.
- A drop of hair conditioner after washing keeps natural bristles soft.
Need a fresh set? Our paint by numbers accessories include replacement brushes and other tools to keep your painting going.
FAQs
Can I clean acrylic brushes with just water?
Water is fine while you paint, but a quick wash with soap at the end removes the thin film of paint that water leaves behind.
Does vinegar remove dried acrylic paint?
Warm vinegar can soften some dried paint, but rubbing alcohol usually works faster on acrylics.
How often should I replace my brushes?
When the tip no longer comes to a point or the bristles splay out, it is time for a new one.
