Paint Brush Question

I use Testor and Model Master paints only, with Testors thinner. When cleaning, after a twist through a rag, I hold the brush with my thumb and index finger, dip it in the thinner and smack it back and forth with my middle finger, then wipe it off on the rim of the jar....repeat as neccessary. With the brush still damp, I draw the brush through my fingers to get the bristles into shape. Store brush up in a mug.

I pretty much only use two brushes, one fine tip (replaced about yearly) and a medium sized one for larger areas (about 3 years old now, still good).

There is a brush cleaner product that I get at Lowe's (quart can) that works well on rejuvenating brushes.  It just says brush cleaner on the can.  It has several solvents in it, so it should be used outside or in a WELL ventilated space.

For best practices, try not to load any brush more than about a third to half from the tip.  The worst place to try to get clean, is at the ferrul.  Always try to shape the brush while still damp.  Store the brush with the tips up on smaller brushes.  anything over an inch in size can be hung from the handle.

Reid

I drilled/bored holes in the wood frame around the pegboard back on my bench.  After cleaning the brushes get stuck, handle end first, in those holes.  They are never stored so weight is on the bristles.

For acrylic and oils "The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver" is one of the best. You can get them at Hobby Lobby or any hobby art store.

Stroll down for the info and watch the video.

http://www.generalpencil.com/gpc_products_masters.html

I use acrylics and I rinse quickly in a cup of water between colours or when the brush gets reasonably messy. After my session, I rinse most of the paint off in the water, then clean it with Windex and finally clean it with dish soap, rinse and re-shape.

I keep water and Windex for Metallics separate from non-metallic to keep metallic flakes out of my other paints. I don't know that this is necessary as I don't dip my brush in the bottles but I do it anyway.