How do I wash my paintbrush?

Question

How do I wash my paintbrush after using watercolour pencils? I tried warm water and soap but the colour didn't come off. And do I lay it on its side, or brush facing up or the brush facing down?

Answer 1

If your paintbrushes are stained, but there's no paint coming off it's just becaue they've been dyed, basically. If the water runs clear out of them, they are probably as clean as they're going to get. Depending on what type of brush you've bought (natural or synthetic bristles), it may be harder to get the color out. Natural brushes are really expensive. Synthetic brushes aren't as expensive.

Anyway, if they don't affect the quality of your art, I don't think it matters much. After washing them, put them handle-down in a cup or jar so that the bristles are in the air, not touching anything. If you store them with the brush side down, they will dry in funky shapes and get bent and you won't be able to use them again!

Answer 2

Try paint thinner,When I finish using a paintbrush I clean it,and leave it lay in the sink or in a paint pan,until it drys....Here's something,,if you are painting and you have to leave suddenly,put the brush into a plastic food bag and put it in the freezer.Yes it will need to thaw out but you wouldn't have ruined a paint brush.

Answer 3

I like to paint pictures with water colours or acrylic paint, and when I claen my brushes I run them  under hot water. Make sure the temperature is steaming and then run your brush under it, turn and press the brush into the sink as you do it, not down the drain but just on sink surface so the hot water can melt the paint. Keep rubbing the paint bursh against the sink under hot water and when the colour of the water and brush look clear, take the brush out and leave it for a few hours upright in a cup. This always works for me.