Taking care of your watercolor brushes properly will significantly extend their lifespan and maintain their performance. Here's a step-by-step guide to keeping them in excellent condition:
1. Rinse Thoroughly After Each Use
This is the most crucial step. After you finish painting, rinse your brush immediately under cool or lukewarm (never hot!) running water.
- Remove Excess Paint: Gently move the bristles back and forth in the stream of water, being careful not to bend them excessively or scrub them roughly against the bottom of the sink.
- Repeat Until Clear: Continue rinsing until the water runs completely clear and no traces of paint remain.
2. Shape and Dry the Brush
- Gently Squeeze: After rinsing, gently squeeze out the excess water with your fingers.
- Reshape the Bristles: Carefully reshape the bristles into their original form. This is especially important for pointed round brushes to maintain their fine tips. You can use your fingers or a brush shaper.
- Lay Flat or Hang to Dry: Lay the brush flat on a clean paper towel or hang it upside down in a brush holder to dry completely. This prevents water from seeping into the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles) and loosening the glue, which can cause the bristles to fall out. Never store brushes upright in a jar while wet.
3. Occasional Deep Cleaning
- Mild Soap Cleaning: Every once in a while, you can use a mild soap, like brush soap or a gentle hand soap, to deep clean your watercolor brushes.
- Lather and Rinse: Lather the brush with the soap, gently working it into the bristles. Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is gone.
- Conditioning (Optional): Some artists like to use a brush conditioner after cleaning to help keep the bristles soft and supple.
4. Storage
- Store Flat or Upright: Once completely dry, store your brushes flat in a drawer or upright in a brush holder with the bristles pointing upwards. This protects the bristles from bending or being damaged.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Store brushes away from direct sunlight and heat, which can dry out the bristles and cause them to become brittle.
Things to Avoid:
- Hot Water: Hot water can damage the bristles and loosen the glue.
- Harsh Solvents: Never use harsh solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits to clean watercolor brushes. They are not necessary and can damage the bristles.
- Storing Wet Brushes Upright: This can cause water to seep into the ferrule and loosen the glue.
- Leaving Brushes Soaking: Don't leave your brushes soaking in water for extended periods, as this can also damage them.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your watercolor brushes in excellent condition for years to come, ensuring optimal performance and extending their lifespan.
