Day 168 - How to clean paint brushes after using latex paint

September 14th, 2012

 How to clean paint brushes after using latex paint

Cleaning paint brushes is a great way to extend their longevity. Removing all paint from a brush after finishing a project can prevent contaminating future painting projects. Soaps can strip a brush of the natural oils of the bristles. As you clean them, you will have to replace these oils.

You will need:

Liquid hand soap

Oil - olive or canola

A plate or plastic lid 

Dirty brushes

Step One:

Wipe as much paint as you can on the lid of the can. 

Step Two:

Pour equal amounts of oil and soap onto the plate or lid. 

Step Three:

Take brush and mix soap and oil together on the lid. Use a circular, swirling motion. 

Step Four:

When the brush is full of soap, rinse under warm water. 

Step Five:

Repeat steps three and four until the water runs clear.

Step Six:

Reuse brush.