To effectively clean oil-based varnish from your brushes, you primarily need to use a suitable solvent.
When working with oil-based mediums like varnish, the key is to dissolve the residues left on the brush hairs. Rinse the brush thoroughly in turpentine or a dedicated brush cleaner. These solvents are designed to break down and remove the oily components of the varnish. Water alone will not be sufficient for oil-based products.
Here's a simple breakdown of the process:
- Initial Rinse: Dip and swirl the brush repeatedly in a container filled with turpentine or brush cleaner. Gently work the bristles against the bottom or sides of the container to help dislodge the varnish.
- Repeat if necessary: You may need to use fresh solvent for a second rinse if the first rinse was very dirty.
- Avoid Hot Water: Crucially, never use hot water when cleaning brushes, especially those used with oil-based products or solvents. Hot water can cause the ferrule (the metal part holding the bristles) to expand, leading to the hairs loosening and falling out.
- Final Wipe: After rinsing the brush in the solvent, wipe the brush once again with a cloth or soft tissue to remove any remaining varnish and solvent residue. This helps draw out stubborn bits and leaves the bristles cleaner.
- Shape and Dry: Reshape the bristles to their original form and allow the brush to dry completely, ideally by hanging it or laying it flat.
Using the correct cleaning agent like turpentine or a specific brush cleaner is essential for preserving the life and performance of your brushes after using oil-based varnish.
