Cleaning and Traveling with Paintbrushes (Without Damage)

Paintbrush Care by Sondra Hanson, Missoula, MT

I have purchased many commercial paint brush cleaners and have found a product that works quicker & better for me than any of the ones made specifically for brush cleaning. It's 409 Cleaner. It can be found in the cleaning and laundry supply section of any grocery store. I spray it on my brushes and work it through as any other cleaner . Then rinse well and stroke your brush over a bar of Ivory soap to hold its shape. (Be sure to rinse your brush before using to remove the Ivory soap.) When traveling with your paint brushes, use a wooden dowel that's longer than any of your brushes to rubber band your brushes onto. This way you they can travel either horizontally or vertically without damaging the bristles.

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fanie2schoeman 662 4169

Mar 17, 2013

We dont have a cleaning agent 409 cleaner in South Africa, are there any alternative local brands. I thank you for a very practical and economical way of traveling with brushes. Fanie Schoeman Bellville Western Cape South Africa

kauaileslie

Jan 13, 2013

Or, you can paint with Genesis Paints and hardly ever have to clean your brushes as the paint doesn't dry on your brushes. www.genesispaints.com

suzieq775

Jan 02, 2013

Did you know,if you fail to clean your brushes soon enough,you can use vinegar ? Just let them soak over night.

Hondar

Feb 24, 2011

Great idea of using 409! Love this.

PennyI

Nov 09, 2010

does it work on oils? how long does the 409 have to stay on the brush?and thank you very much for this tip 409 and the only soap i can use so its all ready here is way cheaper than 40 a month for the stuff i am using now

Iolani Ann Anderso n

Oct 15, 2010

I am starting on my painting adventure and this is most appreciated! Thank you...(I'm an old broad)

Jaqui

May 28, 2010

Great info! Here is an additional note: Water is often a premium when painting in remote areas. So, I wrap my brushes in a plastic bag until I get home. This keeps them moist. Also, I use a "frog" to clean my bristles. This resembles a bed of nails and is used for holding flowers in place in an arrangement.

Brenda cook

Apr 15, 2010

Thanks for the information . It helps out tremendously We paint alot and this will help out so much .

painter of gourds

Jan 27, 2010

I can't wait to try this. I paint Gourds as well as other items.I travel to craft shows and am excited to have this bit of information.Thanks

Kasha

Dec 29, 2009

Have used the straw technique with great success

Clara

Dec 25, 2009

I will give it a try. I know about the ivory soap to clean my watercolor brushes, but did not know of the 409 cleaner. Thank you for the hint.

quiltingdeb

Nov 27, 2009

Love the 409 and ivory soap suggestion. Will try this next time.

ArlaFP

Nov 11, 2009

I have an even better suggestion. Take a straw and slit it down the side. Now cut it in 12. Slide the brush inside the straw from the bottom. When you get to your destination, just slide the straw off. Works great!

Crafter 20672

Oct 06, 2009

Can't wait to try the 409, ivory soap and dowel suggestions. One final step that I would also suggest is that I finally wrap my brushes for transport in a thick, used cloth placemat being careful to extend at least an inch or so over the bristles.