How to Clean Acrylic Paint Brushes

https://www.wikihow.it/Pulire-i-Pennelli-per-Pittura-Acrilica

05-09-2024 |
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Acrylic paint brushes are almost useless if they are not cleaned properly, so it is important to wash them thoroughly after each use.If you neglect this step, you risk ruining them because the bristles will harden and become encrusted, especially when you use quick-drying acrylic paints.Luckily, it only takes a few minutes to clean them.This way, you can use them multiple times and prolong their life.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Remove excess paint

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1
Remove it with a paper towel or cloth. This is an optional step, but it may help you.Before washing your brush, first wrap a paper towel or cloth around the bristles and press it gently to remove excess paint.This way, washing will be easier and faster.^{[1]
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- When you're done painting, don't wait too long to clean them.It is important to proceed immediately after use.^{[2]
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Run the bristles across a paper towel or cloth until they stop leaving traces of paint.This way, you will download the colors before washing the brush.
3
Dip it in a glass of water. Place the brush in a glass of water, shaking the bristles on the bottom for a few seconds.Don't leave it too long.Just move it around to get rid of the excess paint.^{[3]
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- If you used a container of water to dip your brushes while working, you can use the same water or get more clean water.It's not a problem if it's dirty because after this initial rinse you'll have to wash them with soap.
- They will come out cleaner once you remove the paint with the napkin and soak them in water.However, some residue will always remain.You need to use soap to clean them and keep the bristles soft and supple.^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Clean with soap and water

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1
Place the brush under warm water. Adjust the mixer until the water comes out lukewarm.Then hold the brush under the tap 5-10 seconds to rinse it.Turn it so that the water jet reaches all the bristles, exerting gentle friction.^{[5]
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- The water pressure helps remove the colored traces that you have not yet managed to remove.
2
Massage the bristles to remove paint residue. After holding the brush for 5-10 seconds under the tap, gently rub the bristles between your fingers.
- At this point, it may look clean, but you need to proceed using soap.
- Try using a brush cleaning comb to remove any traces of paint.
3
Pour a little mild soap and distribute it carefully between the bristles. Turn off the water, then apply about a teaspoon of mild soap or special detergent to the bristles.Massage the product with your fingers.^{[6]
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- You can also use shampoo instead of soap.
- If you need to wash a large brush, be sure to apply soap between the inner and outer bristles.
- It is important to distribute the detergent at the point where the bristles join the metal ring that wraps the handle, called the ferrule.If you neglect to clean this area, they tend to widen, harden and alter the original shape of the brush.
Open the faucet again until the water comes out lukewarm.Then place the brush under the jet.Once all the foam has been removed, massage the bristles with your fingers to remove the last soap residue.
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Swirl the brush in the soap. After rinsing, pour a knob of soap into the palm of your hand.Hold the brush with the other and lather the bristles.
- By lathering it directly in your hand, you allow the cleaner to penetrate the hard-to-reach areas around the ring.
- The circular motion simulates the movements you use when painting, allowing the soap to reach all the places where there may be paint residue.
Once you have soaped it in the palm of your hand, you should have completely removed the stain.Run it under warm water, then scrub to remove the last traces of detergent from the bristles.^{[7]
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Dry. It shouldn't stay wet for too long.Once the soap is removed, wrap the bristles in a paper towel or clean cloth, then gently squeeze them to release the water.^{[8]
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- Spread it out so it dries horizontally.If you stand it upright with the bristles facing down, it risks warping.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Keep your brushes in good condition while you paint

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1
Dip your brushes in water every now and then if you use more than one. There are several methods to adopt while painting, which simplify final cleaning and prevent the bristles from hardening or becoming damaged.One of the most important things to remember is not to let the paint dry on the bristles.
- If you use multiple brushes when you paint and take long pauses between brushes, remember to dip them into the paint every now and then to prevent them from drying out.
- By wetting them and turning them in water to remove excess paint, you ensure that the paint does not cake onto the bristles.^{[9]
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If you use multiple brushes, you may be tempted to leave them in the water.However, doing so risks spreading the bristles and deforming them.The best way to take care of them when the work is not yet finished is to arrange them horizontally on a rag or a sheet of absorbent paper.^{[10]
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Do not dirty the ring. As you paint, you may be tempted to dip all the bristles into the paint so that the brush head is completely soaked.However, this way you will dirty the ferrule and will have more difficulty cleaning the brush, resulting in damage and spreading of the bristles.^{[11]
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- Instead of dipping the brush into the paint up to the ferrule, try wetting the bristles only up to ⅘ of their length.
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Advice

You can remove most dried paint residue by soaking your brush in Murphy's Oil Soap for 24 hours.
Try soaking it in very hot water for 3 minutes, then in acetone for 5 minutes.
Remember that cleaning should take approximately one minute.It's a small price to pay to keep your brushes in good condition, especially if they're quality.
If you haven't washed your brush and the bristles have become hardened and stuck from the paint, you can salvage it by soaking it in nail polish remover for 24 hours.
Since nail polish remover is a harsh substance, the brush may be damaged somewhat, but it will still be usable.

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Things you will need

Mild soap, brush cleaner or shampoo
Clean cloths or paper towels

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