Cleaning Brushes - Solution?

[skraaal]

Hey,

I've been looking for recommendations on brush cleaners and restorers. Ideally I'd like to use Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner & Restorer but this seems to be unavailable in the UK.

Does anyone have any substitutes that are as good / better for brush care? I currently just use the Master's Soap after every few sessions, but would like something a little more thorough.

I'm based in the UK, so anything recommended would need to be able to be purchased here or shipped here.

Zank you!

 

[INFERNO]

dont waste your money. just wash brushes after painting in "Dove" like soap (moisturing) and give it bath in hair conditioner from time to time.

 

[gohkm]

dont waste your money. just wash brushes after painting in "Dove" like soap (moisturing) and give it bath in hair conditioner from time to time.

I disagree. I've tried this approach before, and it did not work very well. I found that it shortens the life of a good brush. However, the suggestion to use conditioner on it is a good one.

I suppose any old brush cleaner solution would work, not just the W&N stuff. The advantage of the W&N stuff is that it can be liberally applied as a conditioner to the brush as well, and leaving it to soak into the brush for a few minutes will eat solidified paint off. Personally, I use this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Masters-...257642?pt=AU_Art_Supplies&hash=item3362d1efaa.

Have you tried searching over e-Bay or other such sites?

 

[Dragonsreach]

Try Here:
http://www.artsupplies.co.uk/search.php?search=Brush+cleaner&p=1
I can recommend Ken Bromley's (only 5 minutes from where I live)
Small premises, big choice and helpful company.

 

[freakinacage]

Try Here:
http://www.artsupplies.co.uk/search.php?search=Brush+cleaner&p=1
I can recommend Ken Bromley's (only 5 minutes from where I live)
Small premises, big choice and helpful company.

x2, not that they are close to where i live..

 

[skraaal]

Thanks for the suggestion. For the time being I think I'll just keep using the masters and a bit of hair conditioner afterwards.

 

[johnscott10]

This might help.
http://www.pegasusart.co.uk/1109/The-Masters-Brush-Cleaner-and-Preserver.html

Notice the .co.uk part so it is available in the UK, it does cost in total about £99including delivery) but given how awesome this stuff is meant to be(havnt used it just heard alot about it) it may be worth it.

While I got that from a google search you will probly get it cheaper if you search a bit.

 

[Einion]

It sounds like you'd benefit from rinsing your brushes a little more thoroughly while you work and immediately after - this is one of those areas where prevention is better than cure.

See previous threads that mention a double-bath system.

Einion

 

[skraaal]

It sounds like you'd benefit from rinsing your brushes a little more thoroughly while you work and immediately after - this is one of those areas where prevention is better than cure.

See previous threads that mention a double-bath system.

Einion

I currently use the double bath system! I just wanted to extend the brush life as long as possible tbh.

 

[finn17]

Notice the .co.uk part so it is available in the UK, it does cost in total about £99including delivery) but given how awesome this stuff is meant to be(havnt used it just heard alot about it) it may be worth it.

I hope you mean £9.99

For £99 I could hire a lady of the night and ask her to clean all of my brushes afterwards.....

 

[Tommie Soule]

I agree with einion. Just rinse em more while you are painting. I just use water and my brushes last for years, i use em every day as well.

Tommie

 

[Einion]

I currently use the double bath system!

:good: Maybe rinse more frequently while you work? If you're not already using it you might try some dishwashing liquid in the first or both containers then; I've found it has made a big difference to how clean my brushes stay. Like Tommie my brushes last for years (although I don't use them anything like as frequently as he does).

I just wanted to extend the brush life as long as possible tbh.

Don't over-clean them then - washing too much can actually shorten the life of brushes. My advice is to wash only when necessary, rather than as a matter of routine, or, heaven forbid, every time - that's for bristle brushes used for oil painting, not Kolinsky rounds.

Einion

 

[airhead]

Don't overload the brush.
Damage is done when paint gets up into the ferrule area. (the metal bit that holds the hair)

W&N brush cleaner is only used when you've got a brush with a bit of paint up in there. It will eat it out - and will remove the chrome from the ferrule and the lacquer from the handle if you get any up that way.

Try lacquer thinner or denatured alcohol as substitutes.
Createx makes a screen wash that will do some good on dried paint. Designed to remove the silk screen stuff.