Many artists have their own systems and rituals for cleaning their important tools and brushes. And like many of these artists, I also have my own methods. This article will discuss cleaning brushes from oil paint.
I have found that the best cleaning liquid for the painting brush is baby oil. That’s right. Just regular baby oil, low cost, you can buy in most supermarkets or stores. This has many advantages over more traditional cleaning solutions. While paint thinner works great for removing oil paint from your brushes, it is an extremely toxic substance. Even when handled by manufacturers instructions there is still danger present. Paint thinners produce extremely dangerous gases, and some painters exacerbate the problem by using a brush beater rack to remove excess paint thinner, where paint thinner can be inhaled. This is where the baby oil has an advantage. No noxious fumes and no big thing if it gets on the skin. Baby oil is also an excellent conditioner for brushes.
Here is my method and tools for cleaning brushes with baby oil:
1. Container the size of a coffee can or baby formula canister.
2. A clean screen. Many types are available from different manufacturers. Check your local art store.
3. Baby oil. Only regular, unscented baby oil.
4. Plastic bag to line the container. I use 1 gallon storage bags. Not a ziplock bag but a bag that requires a bag tie.
5. Place a bag in your can, then place the clean screen on the tin. The bag can be kept clean and make things super easy when it’s time to change your baby oil.
6. Fill the can until the baby oil covers the screen for about 1 / 4 inches.
7. Dirty brushes against the screen.
8. For smaller brushes simply dry brush on a paper towel or cloth. For large brushes, take the brush and hit it on a pole or a shelf brush beater to remove the bulk of baby oil. Then use paper towels to squeeze the remaining oil from the brush. You will not be able to eliminate 100% of oil, but the left over oil will condition the brush and help maintain a proper manner.
In short, baby oil offers the following advantages over traditional paint thinners:
Safer, cheaper to buy and provides additional conditioning for your most important tools.
Did you find this article helpful? Learn more about wet on wet oil painting and Alexander Certified Instructor Chad Marshall at his website. http://www.wichitaoilpainting.com
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