Let’s be honest—cleaning an oil-based paint brush isn’t exactly the fun part of a painting project. You’re tired, there’s paint on your hands, and all you really want to do is step back and admire your fresh coat of color—not scrub brushes. But taking a few minutes to do this part right can actually save you money, time, and a lot of frustration.
Once you know how to clean an oil-based paint brush, it stops being a chore and starts feeling like part of the process. So grab some gloves, maybe put on your favorite playlist, and let’s walk through it together in five simple steps.
How to Clean an Oil-Based Paint Brush
Oil-based paint is a classic for a reason—it’s durable, smooth, and perfect for surfaces that need long-lasting coverage like trim, cabinets, or outdoor furniture. But it also comes with a downside: it sticks to your brushes like glue if you don’t act fast.
If you let oil-based paint dry on your brush, it becomes nearly impossible to clean. The bristles harden, clump together, and in many cases, the brush ends up in the trash. That’s money wasted—and good brushes aren’t cheap!
By learning how to clean an oil-based paint brush properly right after use, you protect your tools and keep them working like new for years to come.
What You’ll Need
No need to stress—you won’t have to hunt down any fancy or pricey stuff to get this done. Here’s a quick list of supplies that make the cleaning process a breeze:
- Paint thinner or mineral spirits (odorless is a plus)
- Two jars or containers (one for cleaning, one for rinsing)
- Dish soap or brush cleaner
- Paper towels or an old rag
- Rubber gloves (protect those hands!)
- A brush comb or old toothbrush (great for deep cleaning)
- A well-ventilated space (solvents can smell strong)
Pro Tip: If you don’t have mineral spirits, turpentine also works—but it has a much stronger odor.
How to Clean an Oil-Based Paint Brush in 5 Easy Steps
1-Wipe Off Excess Paint
As soon as you’re done painting, scrape off as much paint as possible using the edge of the can, a putty knife, or cardboard. Don’t skip this step—it makes everything else way easier.
2-Dip and Swirl in Paint Thinner
Pour a small amount of paint thinner into your first container. Swirl the brush around gently. You’ll see the paint begin to break down and cloud the solvent. Let it sit for a minute or two if needed, then gently comb through the bristles to loosen stubborn paint. “Related article: Can paint thinner remove paint?
3-Rinse in Fresh Solvent
After the initial cleaning, dip the brush into a second container with clean thinner. This step helps wash away any stubborn leftover paint. Keep repeating the rinse in fresh solvent until the liquid runs clear and your brush feels soft and ready to use. Feeling extra thorough? Give it one more rinse in a third container—perfect if your brush took a beating.
4-Wash with Warm Soapy Water
Now that the paint is mostly gone, it’s time to get rid of any lingering solvent and freshen up your brush. Squeeze a little dish soap into your palm and gently massage it into the bristles using your fingers. Got an old toothbrush lying around? It works wonders for scrubbing out stubborn paint from deep in the bristles—no fancy tools required. Even better—use it to really get deep between the bristles. Keep rinsing under warm water until there’s no paint or cloudy soap left—just clear water and a fresh brush.
5-Dry and Store the Brush Properly
Give the brush a gentle shake to get rid of extra water—like you’re flicking off the last drops. Then reshape the bristles with your fingers so they don’t dry all wonky. If possible, hang your brush so the bristles point downward—it helps keep them in perfect shape and stops water from pooling where the handle meets the bristles. It helps keep their shape and prevents water from settling into the base. Avoid storing your brush upright on its bristles—it bends and ruins their shape over time.
A Few Extra Tips to Make It Even Easier
- Clean right away. Don’t wait. Once oil paint dries on your brush, it’s pretty much game over for that tool.
- Use gloves. Solvents dry out your skin and smell strong.
- Don’t pour solvents down the drain. Use a sealed metal container to store used thinner, and follow local disposal rules.
- Don’t use hot water. Hot water might seem harmless, but it can actually loosen the glue that holds the bristles in place—next thing you know, your brush is shedding like a cat. Stick to warm water only.
- Wrap it up if you’re not done. Taking a break? Wrap the brush in plastic or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out between coats.
Final Thoughts
Nobody gets excited about cleaning paint brushes—especially after dealing with sticky, stubborn oil-based paint. But once you understand how to clean an oil-based paint brush, it really doesn’t take long, and it saves you from having to buy a new brush every time you paint.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just picking up a brush for the first time, these steps make a real difference. A clean brush gives you cleaner lines, smoother finishes, and less stress. So next time you finish up a project, take five minutes, clean that brush, and thank yourself later. You’ve got this. “You may also be interested in this article: How to remove oil based paint from clothes.”
