How to Clean oil paint of paintbrushes

Keep your paintbrushes looking like new with these cleaning tips.

You Will Need

* Paint thinner

* A clean rag

* Three clean containers

* A paintbrush comb

* Soapy water

Step 1: Prep with paint thinner

The first step to cleaning oil paint off of a brush begins before you've even started painting. Dip your dry brush into paint thinner, carefully shake off the excess, and then proceed to paint.

Step 2: Don't let it dry out

Whenever you take a break, wrap the paintbrush in a clean rag that's been soaked in paint thinner. Keep the wrapped brush out of the sun.

Step 3: Swish with paint thinner

When you're ready to quit for the day, fill a container to the halfway point with paint thinner, and swish the brush around for about 30 seconds.

Don't soak the brush; the solvent will weaken the bristles.

Step 4: Comb

Run a paintbrush comb through the brush.

Step 5: Swish again

Fill another container with fresh paint thinner, and swish the brush around once again.

Step 6: Rinse

Fill a third container with warm water, add a few squirts of dishwashing liquid, and gently move the brush back and forth in the soapy water, taking care not to hit the bottom.

Step 7: Drip dry

Hang the brush by its handle to dry.

If you failed to follow these steps and you have a brush with hardened bristles, revive it by soaking it in hot vinegar.

Step 8: Dispose of paint thinner

Dispose of the used paint thinner properly.

Fact: Sixty-three percent of Americans have more than two cans of paint stored in a basement or garage for touch-ups.