How to Care for Watercolor Brushes

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:CareWatercolorBrushes
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How to Care for Watercolor Brushes

Introduction

Once you've invested in some high-quality watercolor brushes, you're going to want to take care of them. Well-cared-for brushes will last for years.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Use watercolor brushes only with watercolor paints.
2

Step Two

Wet watercolor brushes before you start painting.
3

Step Three

Set brushes in a brush holder or lay them down on the table while you are working. Do not set them in a jar or glass with the bristles pointing down.
4

Step Four

Wash brushes using lukewarm water and a paintbrush cleaner or soap (not detergent).
5

Step Five

Rinse brushes with the bristles pointing down.
6

Step Six

Shake brushes to remove excess water instead of wiping them on a cloth or paper towel.
7

Step Seven

Re-form brush tips with your fingers.
8

Step Eight

Store brushes in a brush holder in a cool, dry place.

Tips & Warnings

  • Wash your hands before handling brushes. Dirt and oil from your hands can damage brushes.
  • Use paint from tubes. Pan paints damage bristles and shorten the life of the brush.
  • Avoid dipping brushes in paint past the ferrule, which is the metal band that attaches the bristles to the handle.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Watercolor Brush Cleaners
  • Watercolor Paints In Tubes
  • Round Watercolor Paintbrushes
  • Flat Watercolor Paintbrushes
  • Watercolor Brush Holders
  • Fan Watercolor Paintbrushes
  • Watercolor Paintbrushes
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