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Investing in high-quality paintbrushes is an important part of setting your DIY projects up for success. Just as important is making your investment last by properly cleaning and storing them. Not doing so can cause low-quality paint application and introduce debris into your next project.
If the paint is still wet on your brush, start by scraping any excess paint off the brush by pressing it against the inside lip of the paint can. Then brush whatever paint might be left onto a piece of scrap paper.
To clean a paintbrush after using acrylic- or latex-based paint, like AURA®, Regal® or ben® Interior Paint, run hot water over the brush, and add in a few drops of dish detergent.
Work the paint out of the brush with your hand. You can also use a brush comb, available at your local Benjamin Moore® retailer, or a scrub pad to remove stubborn paint spots. When all of the paint is removed, thoroughly rinse the brush with warm water.
Shake as much water out of the paintbrush as possible and reshape it with your hand or brush comb to make it look like new. Set the brush flat where nothing will touch the bristles while it dries.
For best results, return the clean, dry brush to its original packaging to maintain bristle shape. If you don’t have the original packaging, you can protect the shape of your brush by wrapping it in a paper towel or newspaper, or placing it between two pieces of cardboard and securing it with a rubber band or tape.
A. If you're in the middle of a project and planning to reuse your paint brushes within a few days, there’s no need to clean them until you’re finished with your project. Simply wrap your brushes in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator.
A. For longer-term storage, clean your paint brushes and let them dry completely. Hang them or lay them flat wrapped in their protective material.
A. You can tell a paint brush is getting past its prime if the bristles start shedding or become frayed, or if the brush has lost its shape.
A. If you clean and store it properly, a good paint brush should last a few years.
Different types of paint require different cleanup methods for painting tools. Refer to the product’s Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for the best cleanup technique for your project.
Visit your local Benjamin Moore® retailer for help with all your painting needs. Find more tips in our How-To section.
Go with high-quality painting tools to ensure your DIY project is the best it can be.
Looking for a new project? Find one with our painting and design ideas guide.
Find out how to safely and responsibly dispose of paint, and how to order the right amount before your next project.