This article was inspired by a question from Tom, who writes:
I just read Bob Flexner’s book “Understanding Wood finishing”. I was hoping you could help…. On page 27 regarding cleaning brushes he states that the last step in cleaning ANY brush is to wash in soap and water. It is my understanding that natural bristle brushes do not hold up to water. So how can I use water to clean it??? Is it that a short exposure time is ok?? Please help.
Many of you know that my preferred way of applying finish is with the wiping method. So my experience with brushes is pretty limited. That’s why I brought in Bob Flexner himself to answer Tom’s question.
“All types of bristles can be washed in water. Natural bristles don’t hold their spring for very long in water, so they don’t work well with water-based products. But there is no problem washing these brushes, and you really have to if you’re going to store the brush because its the only way to get all the residual finish out of the brush. Thinners only thin the residue. They don’t remove it.” —Bob Flexner
You can support Bob and The Wood Whisperer at the same time by ordering Bob’s book: Understanding Wood Finishing
4 Responses to “How to Clean a Natural Bristle Brush”
I’ve been told that lemon juice (heated on the stove) will remove dried latex paint on a brush. Maybe someone can confirm this?
This is just an excellent book on finishing. I highly recommend it. Frank
I have been washing my natural bristle brushes for 40 years with soap and water, then wrap them in some newspaper to keep their shape. Buy good brushes and they will last a lifetime.
Several years ago I saw a tip where you use fabric softener in water to clean your brush (water based products) followed with straight water for a final rinse. The paints/finishes came out quite quickly. I used this method for years at a shop I used to work at. I was able to get years of use out of even the cheapest chip brushes.