Cleaning paintbrushes; Step by step guide to...

Byline: Donny Sheridan

It is worth spending time cleaning brushes when you are finished decorating because it will keep them in good condition for the next job.

Never leave your brushes soaking in a jar as it will damage the bristles. It will cost more to replace a quality brush than simply buying cleaning solvents and brush restore solutions.

As for emulsions and other water-based paints, it is just laziness that stops you washing your brushes immediately after use. If they start to dry and harden, the brush will be ruined or, at least, it will never be as good again.

You could buy cheap brushes and dispose of them after the job is finished but they tend to lose their bristles easily, which can ruin your paint job.

Cheap brushes don't hold as much paint because their bristles are shorter - and they still cost more than cleaning.

You get what you pay for so buy a quality brush. By spending a few minutes cleaning it at the end of decorating, it will last for ages.

When you are buying paint, check the back of the tin for the type of cleaning solvent needed to remove the paint and get the cleaner at the same time.

STEP 1 If you are taking a break, remove most of the paint from the brush and wrap it in tin foil or a plastic bag. This will seal the brush from the air, stop it drying out and it will be fine to use in a couple of days.

STEP 2 To clean a brush after a job, remove the paint from it using the back of a knife, forcing the surplus paint from the top of the bristles to the tip. For a roller, run it over newspaper to remove the paint.

STEP 3 Wash water-based paint from a brush or roller by simply placing them under a running tap, working your fingers into the bristles or roller sleeve (remove roller sleeve from frame). A spot of washing-up liquid or mild detergent won't do any harm. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear.

STEP 4 For oil-based paints, put a small amount of white spirit into a paint kettle or brush holder. Work it into the bristles. Repeat. Rinse in warm soapy water and dry.

STEP 5 To keep the brush's bristles in shape and in place, wrap an elastic band around the bristles.

STEP 6 To store the brush or roller, wrap in newspaper or brown paper and put an elastic band or tape over them.

STEP 7 If your brush has hardened and dried out, use a brush restorer and small stiff brush to try to soften the bristles.

STEP 8 Job's done.

Donny's top tip: Cleaning solvents such as white spirits should be disposed of sensibly at a recycling depot - definitely not down the drain.

Here's what you'll need..

Tools Suede brush

Scraper 

Rubber gloves Materials

Washing-up liquid or mild detergent

Proprietary brush restorer

White spirit

Elastic band

Old newspaper or brown paper