Here are the ways I clean my brushes, and links to the affordable products I use to get the job done. I work in oils, but these products will work for acrylics, too. Whenever you paint, wherever you paint, I hope it is a masterpiece. - Cat

Cleaning After A Painting Session:

1. Rinse as much pigment as possible out of your brush into the Gamsol (solvent). Pat dry.
2. Add a little water to some Master’s Brush Soap and lather the brush. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat as necessary until pigment is gone and water rinses clear. (Dawn Dishwashing Liquid can also get the job done.)
3. Lay brushes flat to dry overnight. You'll then be ready for the next painting session.

Cleaning Hardened Brushes:

1. To soften dried paint, soak a crispy brush in a small amount of Turpenoid Natural or Murphy’s Oil Soap overnight. A glass mason jar with a little product at the bottom works wonderfully.
2. Rinse as much as possible the following day with warm water, and clean thoroughly with Master’s Brush Soap.
3. Lay brushes flat to dry overnight.

Removing Oil Paint from Clothing:

1. Remove any large volume with a scraper or palette knife. For residual paint in the cloth fibers, use a Q-tip to gently massage Murphy’s Oil Soap over any spots on fabric. Do not scrub.
2. Lift as much pigment as possible, and let sit 5-10 minutes. Wash clothing as normal. Air dry.
3. If the stain persists, repeat the process before putting your item in the dryer.

*Several of my students swear by Tub O' Towels when removing paint from clothing. It has a light citrus scent too.

Brush Care Tips:

• When rinsing your pigment out, be sure not to jam the bristles into the bottom of the jar. Not only will you come up with "gunk" from ghosts of paintings past, this will weaken a brush's shape over time. Get yourself a stainless steel brush washer. Your bristles will thank you.
  
  
• When laying your brushes flat to dry, set the brushes angled downward if possible. This keeps the water from getting stuck in the ferrule, and separating the hairs. My hack? Roll up a small cloth to bolster the handled end.
  
  
• To extend the life and strength of your tools, don't leave them sitting in liquid during your paint session. Over time Gamsol will weaken the ferrule and any glue that holds the brush together. Wipe excess paint with a paper towel, then rinse and lay aside. Your tools are an investment!