How to Care for Oil Painting Supplies

Art supplies for oil painting can be very expensive. Save yourself some money in the long run by caring for them properly, especially if they are not going to be used for a while.

Paintbrushes for Oil

Clean the brushes well. First rinse them well in turpentine, mineral spirits, or other cleaning solution for oils.

Gently scrub the bristles in dish soap and running hot water until all paint is gone. Pay close attention to the area where the brushes meet the handle, as paint tends to get stuck there.

Gently dry the bristles in a paper towel or lightly-colored cloth towel. (This also helps you determine if all of the paint is cleaned out of the brushes as color will show up on the towel if paint remains.)

Using your fingers, gently reshape the bristles.

Put the brushes into a can or cup with the bristles pointing up for them to dry. If you put the brushes bristles-down in a cup, you will ruin the bristles.

When they are fully dry, gently wrap them in plastic or put the bristle ends into a plastic bag. Keep them in the jar.

You could also put them into a plastic box. It’s important to protect them from dust and insects.

Store them in a safe place where they won’t get knocked around.

Be sure to designate brushes for oil painting and brushes for other types of painting, such as acrylics or watercolors.

Canvases

Canvases should be kept standing upright. If they are stacked on top of each other, you run the risk of something denting them. They can also stick together, even if they are dry.

Put newspaper or cardboard between them to prevent sticking even while they are standing.

To avoid dust collecting on them, try wrapping them in plastic.

In the event your prepared canvases do get dusty, you can gently wipe them with a damp cloth, then let them air dry.

Paints

Paints should be kept tightly sealed in a generally cool place.

Avoid storing them in excessive heat or excessive cold.

Keep pliers on hand to help you unscrew any caps that may dry on.

To minimize air inside the tubes and to maximize the amount of paint you get out, start squeezing from the bottom and work your way up. Roll the tube of paint as you would roll a tube of toothpaste.

If you have mixed a new color that you love, you can store it up to one week by wrapping the palate in plastic wrap.