Stop Wasting Time Cleaning Paint Brushes! Do This Instead!

Paint Brush Cleaning Hack

[@brodystowers8092]

I use the bob ross method. I clean it out and then “beat the devil out of it”

[@Danny........]

Same. Lol talk about homeowners being mad when you paint happy little trees smh. 😂

[@vancouvercarpenter]

😂

[@bradburyrobinson]

I painted some garden fences recently and thought of Bob's technique every time I beat the brushes after cleaning.

[@Icecat21]

I do the exact same way! LOL

[@simonemoore3846]

I was thinking the exact same thing! 😂

[@dlyscas]

If I am using the same color the next day, I put the brush in a ziplock bag- with the handle sticking out.

[@jeffcole1914]

I do the same I actually put the pan in a grocery bag to cover and put both in the refrigerator they are read to go in the morning

[@institches2750]

I've found that keeps the tip of the brush wet enough to work with, but over time paint builds up in the top bristles and ruins it. If you rinse your brush more often, it takes less time to do, and the brushes last way longer.

[@tcp8946]

My gf did this the other day and it works great. Never thought that was an option.

[@jlyon2351]

Aluminum foil works as well, been my go to for years.

[@jonm2416]

I do the same but I also wrap the brush in a soaked rag first.

[@goodtobehandy]

This is something a lot of us have forgotten . Back in the day when most paints were still solvent based,this was standard practice. Not water but hanging them in paint thinner.

[@patriarchmike]

I never liked this method unless i knew i wasn't going to use the brush the next day, because I do not like to use a damp brush to paint with because the bristles cannot hold form (necessary for easy cut lines) and on top if that, the little bit of water still in the brush will eventually start drip down the handle when you're painting over your head. I will use the water bucket method to store dirty brushes until I have time to clean them, but as for the brushes I'm going to use the next day, I just use a plastic kroger bag or painters plastic to wrap it tightly with the bristles saturated in paint. it's ready to go the next day and no form lost or dried paint to clean off.. this can be repeated for up to five days in a row

[@leeoshea2290]

if I'm doing a week or more, I'll put a film of water over my paint, leave my brush in the paint and cover with a plastic bag. Next day, stir in the paint and film of water an off you go.

[@patriarchmike]

@@leeoshea2290 i do that too but i just spray a little water in with a bag on top and a wet rag under the bag

[@gabrieldelapp5730]

fully agree on why i don't like this idea

[@peterbarlow8912]

That what the brush whipping is about!

[@TheBasedUchiha]

Thats weird. I actually dampen my brushes before I paint if they're dry.

[@jltaco85]

what i do is before using the brush, i wrap blue take around about 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch below the metal. Before washing i just remove the tape and makes cleaning a lot easier.

[@johnjohn-ne8fw]

Smart👍

[@francklinurteaga2476]

Good advice!!!

[@idmhead0160]

I've been letting them soak in the bucket. The problem is, the paint brush companies couldn't just make the metal band out of aluminum which wouldn't rust. I think they do it intentionally to make you buy more brushes. Same thing for rollers, even the better quality expensive ones have parts that will rust. It seems like an obvious problem that is intentionally made that way.

[@uwishuknewnunya7845]

Even when u buy the aluminum brushes the nails rust

[@AlexKunstar]

Get the higher quality purdy quick connect roller frames (also compatible with Wooster quick connect poles), full aluminum and plastic parts.

[@nathanayers8221]

I found at a box store a centrifugal cleaner for rollers and brushes… best $15 I’ve ever spent. Spin in a bucket under water and bring it out to complete the spin. Awesome!

[@cassadyloehr9993]

Can you elaborate? Or share a picture or link? I'm very curious

[@steventhury8366]

If you're going to use the brush the next day, or even 3 or 4 days later, with the same paint, just wrap the brush tightly in a plastic bag from the store.

[@Frost3D44]

i've did this with a roller planning to use it in the next day or so. I got side tracked and two weeks later it was just like id left it. I was shocked. Key here is tightly wrapped.

[@DJ-sv7xf]

Or saran wrap.

[@andrewbonthius787]

Agreed. Been doing that for years with brushes and rollers--if wrapped tightly they will be good for many weeks.

[@nativeatwork]

And you can save money/a trip to the paint shop if you do a lot of painting by cutting a 9” roller down into jumbo weenie/3” or 4” rollers. Keep the factory side facing out and you’re golden. 🤙🏽

[@jimb3093]

Brilliant! Perfect timing! I’m about ready to prime and paint drywall. Been busy hanging, repairing, mudding, and taping drywall. Thanks for your videos! Old farm house remodel. Jim in Ohio across Lake Erie near Cleveland. . Hello to my Canadian friends across the lake.

[@michaelpalumbo200]

I live in Cleveland too. I store my brushes and rollers in a plastic bag. Zip lock or grocery bags. Then put them in the fridge.

[@brookelord3448]

I used to do this until i got a handycup. The magnet suspends the brush and the cup fits in the sink. Or you can put the cup in the bucket if you can't block the sink. This is only if you change colors. For the same color, suspend the brush in the paint. Cover the cup with plastic. Or dip the brush in paint before wrapping the brush. Old plastic shopping bags work fine.

[@waldiludwikowski697]

Looks like a great idea. Worth trying. Cleaning a brush is always worst part of the painting 😂

[@patriarchmike]

Its therapeutic for me because i only clean my brush when I'm done with the job and about to get paid

[@StallionFernando]

Far from a great idea, stick too disposable brushes.

[@patriarchmike]

@@StallionFernando disposable brushes are garbage. They suck at applying paint. Its harder to cover and cut. You're also wasting money far more that way. Real painters all know the importance of a good quality brush. If you're some fly by night jack of all trade type handyman that does little stupid low end quicky jobs then yeah that's a fine strategy.. Also if you're getting into primer or oil base for smaller tasks where the looks don't matter...

[@StallionFernando]

@@patriarchmike yeah I know but looks like people are too lazy to spend a couple minutes cleaning equipment. So they should stick to disposable crap, unless they like throwing money away.

[@JT.526]

I got a 2 foot section 6" pvc(can use 4" or whatever fits your brushes and rollers) glue an end cap on one end and use a threaded plug or clean out cap on the other end. Drill a 3/4 hole in the clean out cap and fit a brass hose connector to it. Drill several 1/4" holes in the end cap. You can drop all your brushes and rollers in, hook up the hose, and it will flush everything out for you. I just let it run while I'm packing everything else up. This works great when you need to clean up quickly and don't have the time for over night. Just make sure to not Drill so many 1/4" holes that you exceed the entry water flow. Bucket method works great too!

[@hotbam37]

Dang thats a good idea right there

[@granthoughton769]

And also soak it it water before use and flick it dry. That helps to stop paint building up in the ferrule.

[@ericme3317]

I do that all the time a brush can last over a year with continuous use.

[@SOSPainting]

I hate to admit how many brushes I throw away just because I am too tired at the end of the day to clean brushes 😩😩😩 this. This is why I can’t have nice brushes.

[@shawnr771]

I put enough money into each job to buy two brushes. I keep new ones just in case. Same with rollers.

[@ericmaye2757]

Lazy

[@SOSPainting]

@@ericmaye2757 dude. I dont have infinite energy 😩

[@boorennan]

An old art teacher used to warn us that soaking the brushes will damage the bristles, so I'm not sure that this is a great idea.

[@benjaminhicks3920]

It's a terrible idea for many reasons, but especially for natural bristles. For brushes with synthetic bristles, they'll lose their shape and stiffness (and soft brushes lose their softness). It also swells the wood in the handles, causes rotting, and rusts ferrules and actually draws paint deeper into the ferrule, hardening the brush at the ferrule.

[@kryptonianog9418]

No self-respecting painter would want to clean a brush in the morning . Wetting it for use ? Yes. Cleaning it ? Hell no !

[@masoodrehman118]

Lmao. Found him through skateboarding. Now im watching him as i finish my basement 🤣🤣🤣

[@ex8280]

I would squeeze all the paint out with a palette knife/scraper, and then agian with a paper towel, and then I would find a hard scrubbing brush, throw it in a bucket and use run the brush over the bristle. dumping the water a couple times to clean off all the excess paint. Then I'll do the Bob Ross method and slap the brush inside the bucket. once that's done, I swing it a couple times, and then hang dry it downward. LOL. It's stupid long process, but the brush I use are 30 dollars a piece and I would hate to have to spend that much again because I was to lazy to spend an extra few minutes to clean them.

[@kjg2674]

Love your videos ! As always thank you for the knowledge you share! ❤️❤️

[@VanD3rp]

Keeping wash buckets around was a game changer. I use the dawn platinum dish soap and have 2-3 buckets to clean my tools and whatever else as I’m working.

[@tomzogas382]

That dawn soap is a game changer on so many levels

[@VanD3rp]

@@tomzogas382 It’s freakin great. The power wash spray is even better!

[@michaelpalumbo200]

It's a good method, but here's what I do. I don't clean my brushes. I put brushes and my rollers in a plastic bag. If a refrigerator is handy, I put them in the refrigerator and the paint won't harden for a long time.

[@chiquita683]

Your cookouts must be something special. People constantly asking, whats that extra tang Im tasting ? 🎨

[@michaelpalumbo200]

@@chiquita683 I get your humor. I've been doing it for yrs. Saving me time and money, without aftertaste!

[@cflannery490564]

I do the same! Put them in a bag from the grocery store wrapped just below the handle. Stay perfectly moist and don’t dry out. Ready to go for the next day. Will keep using them for the same job/color and then just toss them. Gets my moneys worth to me.

[@michealdevencenzi1912]

I freaking love the etnies!!! Makes me wanna get me a pair again, been a long time. Love the info keep it up

[@sexweightsproteinshakes]

I just wrap it in a bag and use it one more day. If no air itll be good for a day . Before covid i get them for 1.00 at sutherlands . they are 2.50 now. But still good price. I just buy 20 at a time. I usually do one color for a rental so can get away with just a few for the whole house.

[@haskellXR]

What about using a drill to spin the brush in a pail of water, then spin it in an empty pail until dry? Have you tried that method? Likely need to augment the handle to fit, but it’s effective nonetheless.

[@-KIMISAFOX]

I use expensive brushes, this will destroy any brush. Not immediately, but it certainly is bad. The water wicks up the brush; water & wood for extended periods do not go well together. It takes a good 90 seconds to clean a brush & I use them for years.

[@Agromahdi123]

only true for natural bristles which shouldnt be used on water based paints, this will do nothing to nylon, polyester etc which are the common brushes for water, in fact i think hes using a wooster alpha.

[@-KIMISAFOX]

@Agromahdi123 It has nothing to do with the bristles. The problem is the wood and metal that's used in all types of brushes. Water certainly wicks up a nylon brush if that's your reasoning. What makes you think they repell water?

[@Agromahdi123]

@@-KIMISAFOX i didnt say they dont absorb the water, i merely said it wont hurt a synthetic brush to soak it. I used to sell these products for over 10 years for one of the largest paint manufacturers, and i can assure you that if your not soaking the ferrule and handle, the bristles will be fine, just dont do this on a natural (oil based) brush, as those are natural hairs that will absorb the water, and will "Flay" out.

[@-KIMISAFOX]

@@Agromahdi123 and I've been using them for over 10 years soak my brush I'll kick your ass

[@Agromahdi123]

@@-KIMISAFOX i mean if you want to use your brushes wrong by all means, again, i worked for over 10 years selling these things, did you know they put instructions for care and use on the brush pack? maybe read them one day, you dont even seem to be aware of the differences in the material the bristles are made of, and im sure you arent aware that most "Quality" brushes use copper or brass ferrules and SEALED wood, but you do you moron.

[@jannisalexander1]

You can also just wrap them in cling wrap and it doesn't dry out. You can keep it in there for month without it drying and washing. Works with rollers as well

[@tyroon81]

Yep, I did that recently, saves time and hassel👍🏼👏

[@allensadicario5196]

Great info thanks again brother

[@FlyWhistle]

This is why I do tape and mini rollers but no matter what always need to bust out a brush

[@brookelord3448]

The mini rollers are severely underrated. I almost never use tape unless there's carpet. I still use a brush to cut but sometimes I cut 1" with the brush then do the 3" roller over it. It cuts the time down by 75% in some situations where you might normally use a brush only. Buy sleeves in the 6 packs and throw them out.

[@Zorak2319]

Great idea for anyone on a septic system, you could add a second pail to do the second rinse. It does mean dumping the water on the ground, so maybe not great, but definitely not great for septics.

[@vinceburris2538]

Awesome, thanks for the tip. 👍

[@Zamkuma]

As an artist, you can do this in a few minutes if you just add dish soap or hand soap to the water.

[@edwino.4773]

Imma try that one today! Is there a short on the “proper” brush cleaning as well as a proper roller one. That seems to always be a mess. I tend to buy cheaper ones and throw them out after one use.

[@rottenmeat5934]

What I’ve found is almost as fast as this is getting 4 gallons of water, pouring half a gallon into smaller bucket, rinsing the brush, dumping the water, rinsing the brush again in more clean water, and continuing until clean. Usually takes four rinses if you shake the brush after each rinse. Cuts something like 60% of the paint with each rinse.

[@jnusmc4922]

Awesome gunna use that tip. Any roller tips?

[@krystell84]

How do you feel about putting it a zip locks and in fridge if you need to use it a next day?

[@carverdahlin2728]

That's what it do! I have pails of water on site, but don't want to contaminate it because usually they don't have running water yet on new construction, so I need that pail of water clean.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

That can work but honestly I like to keep my brushes pretty clean and keep the buildup off. I usually give them a quick scrub with the steel brush too.

[@billycolquhoun4264]

You’re a Legend m8 💪. Thanks for that top tip

[@peterbarlow8912]

Old timers had a galvanized box with thinner filled compartments for various colors to hang their brushes in. Decades ago we painted a huge 1905 barn. It took 50 gallons of oil paint. We hung our brushes in gallon paint buckets filled with thinner. You still have to prep the brushes for that by scraping caked paint off the ferrule and tops of the bristle. In some exterior conditions you have partially clean your brushes every few hours of they’ll freeze up. I buy top shelf brushes and wash brushes completely at the end of every day. Disappointed that square cut sash brushes are disappearing from the market. I never use an angle cut. It’s to limiting. If paint is sagging out of the down side of your cutting brush you can’t flip the brush over and continue in the same direction. Also with a square cut brush a twitch of the wrist allows you to reverse direction.

[@rupe53]

This also works well for oil paint but using thinner. The thinner will evaporate so cover your bucket with plastic. If you are going to continue with the same paint and just need a lunch break, a plastic bag and storage in the freezer will keep the paint from drying.... for several weeks if the bag is tight enough.

[@funonvancouverisland]

I can't believe you didn't take the opportunity to say beat the devil out of em lol

[@scaldinghotcoffee3206]

Ill give it a shot. Thanks once again!

[@Kyle-ev4fk]

good stuff, do you have a trick to washing thm for DIYers that wont use em again for 6-12 months?

[@KenAppleby]

That’s a good one! Here’s mine: 3 pails, fill half, use wire brush, grip the handle and shake underwater, spin by hand, move to next pail. They come out really nice if you shake and spin fast

[@bantz001]

Perfect for a quick day or so preservation "cleaning." If I'm coming back to a job soon [lunch break, errand run, or overnight], a plastic bag folded nicely and closely around a brush also works well. Just don't leave it for days. My game changer was using a metal brush to clean/comb them from the metal ferrule to the tip getting the crusty tough paint up in there out while using either a bucket or sink.

[@properfpv7160]

Just put it into a plastic bag and label it. One brush and set of rollers per color. At the end of the job clean the brushes and store the rollers double bagged and labeled with the paint. I have this at multiple buildings I work on and most are still good for touch ups etc. multiple years later.

[@TomsLife9]

this would be for latex house paint, correct? I can't see this working for polyurethane, lacquer, varnish, enamel

[@rodfriesen4370]

I find most expensive brushes are too soft for me. I wrap electrical tape around the metal and on top the bristles about 1 inch. Tightens it up a bit , plus to clean, remove tape and it cleans easier

[@guillogabica]

Thank You!!!!!!

[@Agromahdi123]

Metal part is called the "Ferrule" if you wanted to know.

[@TheCodeTinkerer]

Will try this the next time, when I do a plaster wall/paint job at home.

[@TheBasedUchiha]

This is a good technique for packing up after jobs. I have a handle drilled through the bucket and I just hang them. Put the lid on the bucket, throw it in the van. And then then it's ready for the next job. Same with rollers.

[@fikalaredo5762]

Nice etnies man I haven’t seen those in a long time!

[@JuiceDrinker-gi3qv]

No sir, i wash my brushes after 2 hours and i use a wire brush cleaner to get all the dried paint. I also use soap. After rinsing, i dry my brush and comb it out and let it air dry over night.

[@Huey_G]

If you know you're coming back to paint in the next day or two, I've always just wrapped it up tight with a plastic grocery bag. If you do it nice and tight, I've had it still be good after a week. I've done it for years, and it's never let me down.

[@cconnon1912]

You can wrap them in plastic and put them over pan on them and put them in the freezer or refrigerator. Paint doesn’t dry.

[@DerekWynne]

I wonder, could you do that with mineral spirits if the clean-up required it? Or would it be too hard on the brush?

[@jayfr33_cloudzzz7]

wonderful! So instead of cleaning your brushes for the next day, you can soak them overnight and then the next day you can clean them and have them ready for the NEXT day 🫠

[@AGB-vy2ci]

Hmmm, then why does latex paint dry on the brush while it sit's in water?

[@jopperdepopper]

I like cleaning them. Moment of enjoying a finished job. Bliss.

[@thegreenmamba100]

Love it man!

[@opinionated2902]

I like a dry brush in the morning because it's more firm and I can paint faster with a firmer brush. Whatever works for you though.

[@justYouJesus1God]

Have you ever used a used grocery bag I just wrapped my brush in there just like you did when you put your paint in the trash bag. I only wash the brush when I'm done completely. But if I have to do the next day I just wrap it up in a grocery bag and it keeps the moisture

[@user-nj6pe8nc5w]

Thank you so much

[@PrettyTubs]

I can't tell you how much money I've wasted on forgetting to clean my brushes. I don't wash my brushes in homeowners' sinks. I wrap them in whatever plastic I find and put them in the truck with the intentions of cleaning them when I get home. But once I'm home, there is dinner, and the wife and kids and soon the brushes are forgotten about.

[@mr.schmik1862]

Thank you! I use up to 8 different colors a day ....

[@ooyginyardel4835]

The next MORNING?? I need that brush now!

[@RonDevito]

For water-based paints that may work. For oil based, you'd need a hell of a lot of solvent in that bucket.... Solvent is not cheap.

[@ihave35cents95]

It doesn’t waste solvent, solids go to the bottom

[@esotericone9101]

Brilliant!!

[@kbfarrell3471]

Cleaning is a lot quicker as well when you wet the brush first, before you get started

[@vancouvercarpenter]

I do both :)

[@grimreefer213]

You want to make sure you have multiple brushes to use so you aren’t using a wet brush the next day. Brushes stay wet for at least a day after cleaning and behave differently if you try to paint with it when wet. Either you want multiple brushes or clean it properly the night before and then wrap it in paper towel over night. If you’re only doing some very basic priming or something then maybe you could get away with something like this but for professional painting and finish coating I wouldn’t recommend this

[@stephenlee007]

We put a rolls and bags in the fridge if thare is one bit brush I clean halfway point of the day and at end and my brushes last ten times longer then every one else

[@GKB91]

Nah that’s major overkill. Rinse excess paint off in warm to hot water, then add some wash liquid, hand wash, shampoo etc. and rinse and repeat. A brush comb will get stubborn paint out faster and when drying the brush either get a brush spinner or place the handle between your hands and spin it in a bin or bucket. Overall takes about 2-5 mins a brush and I’ve had brushes last years in perfect condition

[@bobbyjones7922]

Good post,thanks......

[@tonyr8443]

That's an awesome tip.

[@undersquint]

What are the etnies like to paint in?

[@user-ix7jx6jt3h]

Painting again the next day ? No problem !! Paint till brush is out of paint, then insert brushes in plastic bag with little air as possible in bag , seal , and continue painting the next day . I've used this method for over 50 years. As long as you continue painting that brush is good to go. Same holds for your rollers as well.., place rollers in plastic bag and wrap tightly. Double bag is better and secure. Depriving the brushes / rollers of air is the trick. Water for final cleanup 😊 there's no real need to start again with a painless brush if using the same colors. Now go relax till tomorrow.

[@jocarson5310]

If I am using the same paint I wrap my brushes ( rollers too ) in plastic and store them in the fridge. They never dry out if tightly wrapped.

[@johnnyx9659]

What kind of magic is this? 😁👍 Thank you for the tip brother.

[@mikeryan6277]

How much time does it take to properly clean a brush 5 min maybe less and if your using a sink you’re getting a fraction of the water you would be if using a hose or bath tub.

[@TheLuislights]

Is this water-based paint or not?

[@strength210]

Great tip 👍

[@cesars8137]

I'm if going to repaint the next day, I usually put it in a zip lock bag. If it it'll be a while before I reuse then I'll throw it away. I calculate the water wasted, the time spent cleaning and drying figured it's more costly to reuse than to replace. But..... I don't paint often 😂

[@steve32221]

Things I’ve learned over the years, don’t “overdip” the brush - you’re not painting with the handle and as soon as the paint starts creeping higher than say 2” up the bristles or getting a bit gummy, I wash it out /soak it and switch to a clean one

[@ihave35cents95]

That’s totally defeating the purpose of the stock which is to hold paint

[@cksin7374]

Whats your recommendation for thick paints like kilts? throw them away😂

[@Maxrebow]

It's so surprising every time I show somebody that how many people don't know. Rollers work the same way 👍

[@shawnr771]

I use Dawn dishwashing liquid. A dip in the water and dawn and rub in the bristles to remove the heavy deposits. Then let sit overnight. Wash em out good in the am.

[@human1513]

Or wrap it in a cling wrap like Saran Wrap and put it in the freezer when going to use it with the same color the next day.

[@buckbuck3236]

If using the same paint the next day a good old Latex glove over the bristles & yr good to go ,,, infact,,, several days later even.

[@georgebradley6811]

Good idea, & wrap it in sandwich wrap from lunch , if you need to wait a bit before next use .

[@ryantracey8574]

So this is easier but I don't think you know what time saving means has the whole process takes a lot longer

[@gianthills]

can do the same with roller sleeves.

[@ofrimashiah2]

Sorry to disagree with you, but i could never paint with a wet brush. The wooden part just makes the paint inside the brush super thin and it starts splasging everywhere. I have 5 brushes and just clean at the end of the day one of them. The day after i just grab a dry one. Works for me :)

[@zachapplegate9534]

Do you use sw paints??

[@matthewcormier5453]

Did you do skateboard videos before? I feel like I recognized your voice

[@angrypandaclan2460]

Another way to dry your brush is to put the handle in your hands as if your were making a prayer 🤲. With the brush standing vertically up start moving your hand back and forth as if your were scrubbing your hands together. Do that until you don’t feel water hitting you anymore🤣

[@stevethewsimpson25]

I used the plastic to wrap the brush and avoid those watery drips down the arm. So annoying.

[@TheFreidaCollection]

I LOVE IT!!!!

[@joanfrellburg4901]

I wrap it in plastic bag and put it in the fridge then take it out a half hour before you paint the next day.

[@YG-kk4ey]

Wood adding a job of dish soap work?

[@Tyronepowerful]

A better way is to use a hose. Dip a few brushed over night then hose them.

[@naveenr1469]

What about for oil based paints