How to Store Paint Brushes: Tips for Cleaning and Storage

When it comes to buying paint and accessories you get what you pay for. Equally important is proper maintenance of your brushes, which can significantly impact their performance. Properly cleaning and storing paint brushes will help you increase their longevity and maintain their performance over time.

Choosing a Quality Brush

The quality of your paint brush will determine your satisfaction with the finished product and make the painting process faster and easier. It will also determine how much mileage you’ll get out of it.

For all interior and exterior projects in visible areas of your home, spending a few more dollars on the right brush and choosing the right one for the job can mean the difference between an amateur and professional-looking finish.

Brush Types

In addition to preparing for your paint job, choosing the right brush type directly impacts how well the paint adheres to the surface and the final finish. Different materials are designed for specific types of paint, meaning they can affect the smoothness, durability, and overall appearance of your work.

Natural Bristles: Made from natural animal hair (such as hog or ox hair) these brushes are best suited for applying oil-based paints and finishes.
Nylon/Polyester Blends: This winning combination of materials is easy to clean, works well with all types of latex paint, retains its shape, and is exceptionally durable.
Polyester Bristles: Recommended for a smooth, even, latex paint application.

Brush Sizes

Having the right brush size on hand will make your painting more precise.Cover surfaces more effectively and gain better control in tight spots or in areas that require intricate details.

1" or 2": Flat-bottomed, thin, and narrow, best suited for window sashes and trim.
3": Best for doors, cabinets, or wider trim.
4": Designed for large surface areas, holding a larger amount of paint for more efficient application.

End Types

Different brush shapes are meant for different tasks. Get straight lines, better coverage, and improved detail working with the right brush - all of which can elevate the overall look of your paint job.

Flat Brushes: Ideal for covering large areas.
Chisel Trim: Slanted to produce a clean, thin line for edges and corners.
Angular Brushes: Best for precise lines and points and makes it easier to apply to vertical trim.
Square Trim: Bristles are cut square and used primarily for trim, edging, and corners.

Before You Store Them: Paint Brush Cleaning Tips

Since you invested in quality brushes, you want to preserve them by washing and cleaning your paint brushes and rollers for whenever you’re ready to pick up your next painting project. P

What You’ll Need

Before you begin your paint brush cleaning operation, you’ll need:

Paint can (for scraping excess paint)
Sheets of newspaper (for dislodging paint)
Warm water (for cleaning latex-based paints)
Paint thinner or mineral spirits (for oil-based paints)
Scrub pad (for thorough cleaning)
Soap (for washing the brush)
Brush conditioner or hair conditioner (for conditioning bristles)
Work table or deck railing (for removing excess water)
Brush comb (for reshaping the bristles)
Protective cap or sleeve (for storage)

Step 1: Remove Excess Paint

The first thing you'll want to do is remove any excess paint from your brush. Run the brush along the rim of the paint can to scrape off the bulk of the paint. Next, brush the bristles in a crisscross pattern across one or more sheets of newspaper. This motion will help dislodge paint trapped within the bristles.

Step 2: Choose Your Cleaning Method

Depending on the type of paint you’ve used, you’ll need to select the appropriate paint brush cleaning solution. For latex-based paints, use warm water. If you use oil-based paints, opt for paint thinner or mineral spirits. Dip the brush into the solvent or water and make sure the bristles are fully submerged to loosen any remaining paint.

Step 3: Wash the Brush

Using a scrub pad or your fingers, gently work the bristles to remove leftover paint. Be thorough, as any remaining paint can harden and damage the brush. Once the paint is removed, wash the brush with soap and water to eliminate any residual solvent.

Step 4: Condition the Bristles

To keep your natural bristle brushes soft and supple, apply a brush conditioner or even a small amount of hair conditioner. Work it into the bristles, rinsing afterward to ensure the bristles remain flexible and don’t become brittle over time.

Step 5: Remove Excess Water

To get rid of surplus water, slap the brush against the edge of your work table or deck railing. This helps to expel moisture without damaging the bristles. Be careful not to use too much force, as you want to maintain their shape.

Step 6: Reshape the Bristles

After removing excess water, reshape the bristles either by hand or with a brush comb. Reshaping helps the paint brush dry in its intended form, which maintains the brush's effectiveness for future use.

Step 7: Drying the Brush

Hang the brush vertically with the bristles facing downward. This position allows any remaining water to drip out and prevents water from seeping into the ferrule, which can weaken the adhesive over time. Make sure it’s in a well-ventilated area so it can dry quickly and thoroughly.

Step 8: Store Properly

Now that your brushes are clean and dry, you're ready to store them! After ensuring your paint brush is completely dry, cover the bristles with a protective cap or sleeve to keep out dust and dirt during storage.

Avoid storing paint brushes in extreme temperatures or humid environments. These conditions can adversely affect the bristles and adhesive and potentially shorten the brush's lifespan.

How to Store Paint Brushes

Keep your brushes in excellent condition and ready for use whenever inspiration strikes. Storing paint brushes the right way preserves the quality of your brushes and saves you time and money in the long run.

Storing Your Brush During a Short Break

Depending on the scope of your project you may need to take one or more short breaks, but rather than simply laying your brush on a newspaper or your drop cloth, leave the bottom one-third of the bristles in the paint before walking away.

Leaving the bottom of the bristles in the paint prevents the paint on the brush from drying out without overloading the brush and will allow you to pick up right where you left off upon your return.

Storing Your Brush During a Long Break

The best method for storing paint brushes for a period of several hours or more is by wrapping the entire head of the brush in plastic wrap or a plastic bag. Create a tight seal at the neck of the brush using masking tape, and store for up to two days in a cool area of the home.

Finished with the project, but still have leftover paint? Properly repurpose or dispose of these leftover materials.

Why Five Star Painting?

If you want a perfect finish every time, you need to call a team you can trust. At Five Star Painting, we are backed by decades of experience and the Neighborly Done Right Promise^™, which means it’s not done until it’s done right. Plus, you will also be covered by our two-year warranty, so you can rest easy knowing your investment is protected.

Schedule Your Next Project Today!

Investing in high-quality brushes and carefully maintaining them can help you achieve professional results. With the proper care and attention, your paint brushes can help you paint numerous surfaces, walls, and projects.

We hope our tips help you confidently tackle your next DIY paint project. And for more extensive residential or commercial projects, you can count on your local painting service professionals at Five Star Painting. We are the experts when it comes to interior and exterior painting.

To learn more about our services and how we can help you with your next pain project, request a free estimate or call us today!

This article is intended for general guidance only and is not applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and situation. Five Star Painting is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of advice and/or guidance derived from its blog content.