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A clean paint brush

Overview

Knowing how to clean your paint brushes keeps them in good condition so they are ready to go next time you need them. We'll show you some quick and easy tips to clean brushes after using any kind of paint.

Steps

1How to remove acrylic paint from your brush

Put some water in a bucket and soak your brush in it for a few minutes. Then stir the brush in the water and wipe it against the side of the bucket several times. Repeat this until your brush is clean.
Removing acrylic paint from a paint brush with water

2How to clean acrylic paint off a roller

Attach the roller cleaner to the garden hose and insert the roller into the tube. Hold the roller tube over a bucket, to stop paint going into the ground, and turn on the hose. When the water starts running clear, your roller is clean. Take it out of the roller cleaner, then remove the roller from its frame and stand it on its end to dry. If you lie it down, it'll crush the fibres and create an uneven roll the next time you use it.

 Cleaning acrylic paint off a roller

3How to clean oil-based paint off your brush

Before cleaning oil-based paint off your brush, put on your painters respirator and safety glasses to protect you from the fumes. Pour some turpentine into a bucket and soak your brush in it for several minutes. Swirl the brush around and wipe it against the side of the bucket until it's clean. Then wipe it dry on a rag. 

Pouring turpentine into a bucket and soaking the brush

4How to clean dried paint off your brush

Removing water-based paint from your brush is easy if you do it right after you finish painting. Otherwise, to remove dried paint from a brush, whether its enamel, lacquer, oil or water-based, use paint brush restorer. Put on your gloves, safety glasses and dust mask, then pour the paint brush restorer into a metal bucket. Soak your brush in it, until it looks clean. Then use a wire brush to remove any excess dried paint. 

Cleaning dried paint off your brush with a paintbrush restorer

5How to store your clean paint brushes

If you have the original packaging, it's a good idea to put the brush back in it before storing it away. You can also or store it in a jar, with the brush end facing out and handle-side down. Or hang it on a hook to keep the fibres straight.
A clean paint brush
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.