How Do You Make Homemade Acrylic Paint Brush Cleaner?

You can make a simple and effective homemade acrylic paint brush cleaner using just dish soap and olive oil.

This method offers a budget-friendly alternative to commercial brush cleaners, while still effectively removing acrylic paint residue and conditioning the bristles.

Here's how to do it:

Materials:

• Dishwashing detergent (any kind will work)
• Olive oil
• Small jar or container with a lid
• Small pot or dish for cleaning

Instructions:

1. Mix the Solution: In the small jar, combine dishwashing detergent and olive oil. A good starting ratio is approximately 2 parts dish soap to 1 part olive oil.
2. Shake Well: Secure the lid and shake the jar vigorously to thoroughly mix the detergent and oil. The mixture should emulsify slightly.
3. Test a Small Amount: Pour a small amount of the mixture into your small pot or dish.
4. Clean Your Brushes: Swirl your acrylic paint brushes in the mixture, working the solution into the bristles. Gently massage the bristles to loosen the paint.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the brushes thoroughly with warm water until all traces of the cleaner and paint are gone.
6. Reshape and Dry: Reshape the bristles of the brushes with your fingers and allow them to air dry horizontally or bristles down to prevent water from seeping into the ferrule.

Tips and Considerations:

• Adjust the Ratio: Experiment with the ratio of dish soap to olive oil to find what works best for your paints and brushes. If the mixture is too oily, add more dish soap. If it's not cleaning effectively, add more olive oil.
• Regular Cleaning: Clean your brushes immediately after use to prevent acrylic paint from drying and hardening, which makes cleaning more difficult.
• Gentle Handling: Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can damage the brush bristles.
• Conditioning: The olive oil in the mixture helps to condition the bristles, preventing them from becoming brittle and dry.
• Alternative Oils: While olive oil is commonly used, you can also experiment with other oils like mineral oil or linseed oil. However, olive oil is generally preferred for its safety and availability.
• Not for Oils: This cleaner is designed for acrylic paints and is not suitable for oil paints.

This homemade brush cleaner is an effective and economical way to keep your acrylic paint brushes in good condition. It's a worthwhile alternative to commercial cleaners, especially for artists who use a lot of paint.