Whether you are a professional or amateur artist, you not only need the right tools you need to also learn to take care of them. Art supplies are quite expensive nowadays. You can go for the cheaper options, but know that they will not give the same results. So it would be quite a waste to invest so much money in all the best equipment when you are not going to bother taking care of any of it. Paintbrushes are one of the most neglected items when in fact they are the ones you should be paying the most attention to. Regardless of whether it is for oil or acrylics, you can never allow paint to harden and accumulate because you will ruin the delicate nature of their bristles. And soon enough, you will not be able to paint with them. Have a look at these brush cleaners to help.
Pink Soap Brush Cleaner and Conditioner
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Another option that is quite affordable so if you are newbie artist just starting out, you can look at this brush cleaner. Not only is it an effective cleaner, it also has properties for preservation and also acts as the conditioner. So it not only keeps your brushes squeaky clean, it also keeps them soft. This brush cleaner by Pink Soap is able to clean out oil paints, acrylics, and watercolors. No matter which medium you generally use, it can be used to them all. There is also no residue or grease left behind once you are done. They are as good as new. Furthermore, it is safe for use since it does not contain any form of chlorides, solvents or any other harmful chemicals. It also comes with a pleasing aroma that lingers around for an extra-sensorial experience. If you paint often, then you can opt for this since it is not too expensive so you can grab a few bottles at a time.
Krud Kutter Brush-Wash Cleaner and Renewer
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Although a bit more expensive, this one is still worth it because it carries more quantity as it is a 1-quart bottle. It is both a cleaner and renewed. Even though it is quite strong, it is still safe for use either at home or at work since it is non-toxic. There are also no harmful vapors to speak of so even if you drown your brushes in the stuff, there is no problem! It is also suited for synthetic brushes, effectively cleansing and restoring them assuring continued use for a long period of time. You need not mix the solution with anything, once you purchase it, it is ready-to-use. Since it is water-based, it glides easily and does not leave behind any greasy layers. Both biodegradable and non-flammable, it is good for the environment and for your peace of mind. Since it offers more quantity as well, you can make it last quite a while.
General Pencil Company Brush Cleaner
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If you have ever purchased anything from the General Pencil Company before, you will know that their packaging is really one-of-a-kind. It is no different with this brush cleaner and preserver. It has been specially formulated for use with oil paints which are generally the difficult kind to remove. Having said that, you can also use it for the removal of acrylics and watercolors. In fact, it is particularly suited for lazy painters who tend to leave their brushes as they are. It is one of the worst habits one can do as an artist, but it can happen even just the one time. This product is able to tackle even dried paint and any paint stains as well so it is quite powerful. It also incorporates a great, fresh scent which makes it all the more alluring. It is quite affordable as well, and its vintage look makes it a quaint little addition to your art supplies.
Bob Ross R6245 Brush Cleaner and Conditioner
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This one is a little pricier than others in the market as far as brush cleaners go. It is, however, specially made to go hand-in-hand with Bob Ross paintbrushes as well. It’s carefully constructed formula is great for restoring your brushes to their original condition every time. Whilst giving your brushes a longer lifespan, it can also be used for as long as you need since it does not expire. Of course, this depends on how much of it you use at a time. It is also a conditioning treatment for your brushes which is important in the world of art. It is quite similar to only shampooing your hair without conditioning it. The bristles would be rough, sticking out and difficult to control. This means that you lose any precision with your paintings. Thanks to its conditioning properties, your brushes will always be kept not only clean but as smooth as ever.
Testors Enamel Paint Thinner & Brush Cleaner
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This brush cleaner does not incorporate any frills or fancies in its packaging but is great in performance. However, it does not contain a lot of product so buy it only if you paint occasionally. If you are a frequent or professional painter then you should opt for something else. It is only a cleaner as well and does not contain any other properties that will aid in the preservation of your brushes. Make sure you keep it out of reach from children since it is also flammable and can be toxic if swallowed. Only use it for the cleaning of your brushes. You can choose to go for a cleaner and conditioner in one, but if you have cheap brushes that you are not too concerned about, this will do. Do remember though that if you invest in natural hair professional brushes, you should give this some serious thought.
Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner & Restorer
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Winsor & Newton is another well-known name in the art world. So as far as trusting the product goes, you need not worry. All of their products are of extremely high quality. It is both a brush cleaner and restorer so you can not only indulge your brushes in some thorough cleansing, but also keep them lasting longer. You can use this across both synthetic and natural brushes without an issue. Your brushes are also wiped completely clean without any oily coating left behind. Though it gives off a low vapor, it is non-toxic so it is safe for use. Furthermore, it is also environmentally friendly as it is biodegradable and easily washed off due to its water-solubility. If you are concerned about price, well despite it being a famous brand, it is affordable. Seeing as how you can have complete confidence in the name, it is quite worth it.
Mia Secret Acrylic Nail System Professional Nail Brush Cleaner
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If you are a frequent or professional painter, then this is definitely the option for you. Simply pour a small amount into a small dampen dish and then set your brush in it to clean it after you have done an acrylic set. This will ensure that your brush stays nice and soft and quickly ready to use the next time you want to paint.
The ingredients of this mixture are Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, and MEK Alcohol.
Since you don’t need to use a lot of this product at all for it to do the trick, it will last a very long time so you won’t need to worry about having to buy it often.
If you are looking for a brush cleaner that not only cleans your brushes thoroughly but also helps to restore them, then this is definitely a great option for you!
EZ Air Acrylic Brush Cleaner
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This one is specifically for cleaning acrylic brushes. Not only is it good for keeping your brushes in prime condition, it is also formulated to be kind to the environment. It is a non-toxic solution so you can use it as often as you need to. Despite this, it is quite concentrated so it gets the job done. Not only does it thoroughly clean your brushes, it helps restore them too. This means you can comfortably use them next time. What is more, whether you have synthetic or natural hair brushes it does not matter. It works effectively on both types. It is also quite affordable so if you are looking for something on a budget, this is definitely worth looking into. Keeping your brushes in great condition is half the battle won when it comes to creating beautiful paintings. It also saves a lot of money that you would normally spend on new brushes.