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Brush Care for Oil Painting
SHOP TALK
Brush Care for the Oil Painter
Tip #1- Use Kerosene
Did you know that kerosene makes an excellent cleaner for oil painting brushes?
It is slightly stronger than mineral spirits, and coats the bristles with a slightly 'oily' residue that protects the natural hairs.
Mineral spirits evaporates leaving the bristles brittle, as does turpentine.
Soap and water does no better, and although the bristles may look cleaner, they are not. This method of cleaning the bristles is also far too time-consuming and laborious, not to mention oil and water don't mix! Suffice it to say- never use water with your oil painting supplies!