Read this just now , might be of some help to those using those more aggressive cleaning methods. !
TIP #1: CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES THOROUGHLY AND PROPERLY
Cleaning Water Colour Brushes
When pigment particles build up at the base of the brush, it pushes hairs apart and stops the point from forming. To avoid this, wipe your water colour brush clean with a lint-free rag and rinse it under running water. Then, using mild soap and cool water, swirl the soapy brush in the palm of your hand and rinse. Repeat the washing and rinsing process until the soap and water runs clear.
Cleaning Oil Colour Brushes
If you’ve been working with oils, use a rag to wipe away as much colour as possible from your brush. Then rinse any remaining colour using Winsor & Newton Artists’ White Spirit or Brush Cleaner. Next, as you would when cleaning your hands, create a lather and rinse the brush under warm, not hot, water until the water runs clear of colour and soap.
Cleaning Acrylic Colour Brushes
Looking after an acrylic brush bears similarities to looking after an water colour brush. However, there are also some differences. If you are using solvent-based varnishes, these should be removed using Winsor & Newton Artists’ White Spirit, whereas water-based can be removed with soap and water.
Cleaning your acrylic brush with mild soap and cool water still applies. For a thorough clean, soak the brush overnight in Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner, which will remove any dried acrylic colour. Repeat the washing and rinsing process until the soap and water runs clear.
For discussion only taken from the W/N wed site.
John.
TIP #1: CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES THOROUGHLY AND PROPERLY
Cleaning Water Colour Brushes
When pigment particles build up at the base of the brush, it pushes hairs apart and stops the point from forming. To avoid this, wipe your water colour brush clean with a lint-free rag and rinse it under running water. Then, using mild soap and cool water, swirl the soapy brush in the palm of your hand and rinse. Repeat the washing and rinsing process until the soap and water runs clear.
Cleaning Oil Colour Brushes
If you’ve been working with oils, use a rag to wipe away as much colour as possible from your brush. Then rinse any remaining colour using Winsor & Newton Artists’ White Spirit or Brush Cleaner. Next, as you would when cleaning your hands, create a lather and rinse the brush under warm, not hot, water until the water runs clear of colour and soap.
Cleaning Acrylic Colour Brushes
Looking after an acrylic brush bears similarities to looking after an water colour brush. However, there are also some differences. If you are using solvent-based varnishes, these should be removed using Winsor & Newton Artists’ White Spirit, whereas water-based can be removed with soap and water.
Cleaning your acrylic brush with mild soap and cool water still applies. For a thorough clean, soak the brush overnight in Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner, which will remove any dried acrylic colour. Repeat the washing and rinsing process until the soap and water runs clear.
For discussion only taken from the W/N wed site.
John.