FineScale Modeler: How to clean, maintain, and reinvigorate paintbrushes

[@rickewing3120]

Very informative and helpful. I'll definitely be using these techniques!

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thanks, Rick! Glad to help out.

[@tiborferencz2272]

thank you, cheers from Hungary. live long and prosper!

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Our pleasure!

[@limcw6092]

Thanks for the reassurance at the end, I was stressed out because I thought I needed to make my brushes look like brand new each time!

[@fatmaninthesun1]

I watched this last night, which prompted me this morning to try cleaning my manky old pastry bush. It worked like a dream. Thank you.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Wonderful!

[@DarksouIjah]

Thanks for the Putty tip. I'll definitely need to try that.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thank you for watching! If the bristles aren't too far gone, you can also use the solid cleaner/conditioner in a similar fashion.

[@raymondkummer7668]

Going to try the hair putty trick this weekend. Thanks FineScale.

[@jamiesworkshop3198]

Great tips! Thank you!! I have some brushes that are 40+ years old, so it definitely pays to take good care of them.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

You're welcome, and thank you. Take care of your brushes, and they'll take care of you.

[@michaelcooke2559]

Great tutorial. This advice should be very helpful to all modelers. Thanks for sharing.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

We're glad we can help!

[@mikesackmary]

Great video Tim !

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Glad you think so!

[@robertjensen1438]

For the algorithm! VIVA LA ALGORITHM!

[@ulisesfreytes7287]

That was a great tutorial!

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Glad you think so!

[@jenshaga4256]

Great tips, thanks!

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@clearcreek69]

I just needed a refresher on cleaning brushes as I want the main color of my model to have one color rather than two

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Hope you found it helpful!

[@travisehlers2884]

Great info, thanks.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

You bet!

[@rszanger]

My cleaning method is clean brushes thoroughly water and dip into water for a day ( acrylic paint) ...is this a good method?

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Without a detergent of some sort, you risk paint building up in your brush. We do not recommend leaving your brushes soaking in water or other thinner. First, if your brush is resting on its tip, for any length of time, you run the risk of deforming the shape. Second, you do not want thinner wicking up into the ferrule (the metal part holding the bristles). Bristle expansion can cause the ferrule to loosen and your brush to start coming apart. Better to thoroughly clean your brush immediately after you're finished with your painting session. Reshape the damp bristles. Store the brush horizontally or tip up to dry.

[@user-iv5cz1re1f]

Hi, where should I keep the brushes after cleaning them?

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Someplace where they aren't leaning against anything to deform the bristles. The easiest storage is a cup where you can place the brush handle with the bristle-end up.

[@fluffywaffles]

What os the difference between oil and enamel paint???

[@csb9992]

[@jakejanes118]

When reshaping brushes with hair putty, is it okay to leave the putty on the brush indefinitely when taking breaks from models so that they keep their shape until you next need them? Or is it better to clean it of before storing?

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

We reserve the hair putty technique for restoring misshapen brushes that we think we can save. You can leave it in while storing your brushes, just like you can leave in a gel-type cleaner and revitalizer, too. However, you'll want to thoroughly rinse your brush before the next time you use it.

[@jakejanes118]

@@FineScaleModelermagazine okay cool, thanks

[@ralphhodge4295]

I’m a Dapper Dan man, myself.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

My hair!

[@wightclaudia]

I DONT WANT FOP