Basic brush care requires cleaning brushes after each painting session so that they don’t dry with paint on the fibers. Brushes also need to be stored either flat or upright, such that the hairs aren’t bent, crushed, or otherwise compromised.
EXPERT TIP: Always clean your brushes, bring them to a point if they’re round, and let them dry in an upright brush stand.
For watercolor and gouache,
- Use as much of the paint loaded onto the brush as possible.
- Wipe the brush clean with a lint-free rag.
- Bring tap water to warm (not too hot and not too cold) and then place the brush under running water.
- Use mild soap to clean the fibers with a swirling motion in the palm of your hand. Avoid harsh soaps that may strip the fibers of their natural oils.
- Repeat until the water runs clear.
- Remove any access water with a lint-free rag.
- Reform or bring the brush tip to its intended shape.
- Store in either a flat or upright position with the brush fibers facing up.