How to make sure you clean brushes the right way? Amylee’s tried and tested method is here for you!
To preserve my brushes, I wash them carefully. My collection is 97% synthetic hair, I have trouble buying natural hair.
But even if synthetic brushes are less fragile than natural hair, it still requires softness and a lot of love. The best solution: BLACK SOAP!
My Routine for Beautiful Brushes:
When I use acrylic paint, gouache or watercolour, I usually shampoo them at the end of a day.
In my studio, I have already tested several types of soap. Dishwashing soap is too harshly stripping, and those made for the hands and body do not remove enough paint residue. So I recommend you use artists’ soaps and especially BLACK SOAP!
In 2018, I tested the black soap in bars and liquid! Since then, I have not changed my way of washing my brushes. The properties of black soap are exceptional. If the Mediterranean countries have used it since the dawn of time, it’s for a reason.
Léonard “Clean Brush”
- French soap, made in a cauldron by master soap makers
- vegetable oil base made from olive pomace
- perfumed with eucalyptus essential oil (it smells good and it clears your nose)
- naturally glycerinated, contains no animal fat or synthetic dyes
- finished product has not been tested on animals
- Vulnerable to frost or high temperatures
- avoid keeping in full sunlight
- made from 100% natural ingredients.
- very economical to use
- maintains the elasticity and suppleness of your brush bristles.
DID YOU KNOW? Black soap gently cleans brushes, and stained clothes.
Most of these products are currently available at GreatArt Online or in their art supply shop in London Shoreditch..
Let’s get started!
What you’ll need to clean your brushes:
- warm water in a container
- Leonard black soap (liquid or in bar form)
- brushes to clean
- 1 roll of paper towel
Method:
- Dip only the brush head into the water while stirring to remove as much paint as possible.
- Apply a pinch of soap to the palm of your hand.
- Wash the brush hair making small circular movements with your fingers or with a silicone sponge. Remember to always rub the hair from the ferrule to the tip, then rinse.
- Repeat the operation until the hair is clear and water runs clear from the bristles.
DID YOU KNOW? While painting, I wash using only clear water. Once the day is over, I do a little shampooing. The next morning, my brushes are still flexible and ready to use!
RECYCLING TIP: To avoid wasting soap, I reuse a plastic liquid dispenser because it makes it easier to dose!
💡 Amylee’s Useful Tips 💡
❓– WHY USE A SMALL PLASTIC BASIN INSTEAD OF A POT?
The basin makes it easier to work and the brushes disgorge the acrylic paint, watercolour or gouache quicker. You don’t need to put a lot of water in, just enough to wet the hair.
DID YOU KNOW? The basin is also convenient for washing wide equipment such as spalters (silicone or bristle), colour shapers, paint rollers, paint knives, or plastic scrapers.
❓– WHY DO YOU USE A SILICONE SPONGE?
Economical, practical, and always flexible, the silicone sponge softly removes the residues of acrylic paint, varnish, glue from not only brush bristles, silicone, metal, and plastic, but also from your skin and nails!
DID YOU KNOW? The silicone sponge bristles work really well on dry acrylic paint. No need to scrub with persistence. It’s better for the equipment and your hands!
❓– WHY DO YOU USE MIXING SPATULAS (OR WOODEN SPATULAS)?
To put on the edges of the basin, these spatulas serve me as extra dryer. I then leave my brushes all next to each other to dry completely all night.
DID YOU KNOW? Avoid drying your brushes “head up”, because you risk distorting them and swelling the wooden handle.
Information for this article was provided by professional fine artist, Amylee Paris. You can visit her colourful portfolio or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Find all Amylee’s posts published in GreatArt online Magazine by clicking here!
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