Are you looking for the best paintbrush cleaners out there?
You've come to the right place!
In this ProperMechanic.com guide, you will learn the following:
- The best paintbrush cleaners on the market today
- Tips for making paint cleanup easy
- How to properly clean your paintbrush
And much more!
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Top Pick
| Our Top Pick | Purdy Contractor Stain Steel Brush Cleaning Tool
|
| View on Amazon |
| Best Budget
| Best Budget | Sunnyside Pure Odorless Paint Thinner
|
| View on Amazon |
| Best High End
| Best High End | LOONENG Air Tight Brush Washer, Leak-Proof Brush Cleaner
|
| View on Amazon |
|
| General Pencil Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver
|
| View on Amazon | |
|
| Bob Ros Brush Conditioner
|
| View on Amazon |
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On September 8, 2023
Purdy makes our favorite products because they make home painting manageable.
For example, the stainless steel brush and roller cleaning tool is super versatile, and it makes cleaning up after painting a room ridiculously easy.
Purchase both the stainless steel hand tool along with the Purdy 140755200 Brush and Roller Spinner Cleaning Tool, and you will never stress about paint cleanup again.
Plus, you will be able to reuse rollers and paintbrushes time and time again without having to replace them.
Aside from techniques and tricks for keeping your paintbrushes impeccable, there are also products that you can use to get your paintbrush clean and ready for the next job.
Calling all DIYers! Do you want to keep up with the best products?
Scroll down to learn the best paintbrush cleaners for your next big project.
Find all of your painting solutions and advice at Pro Paint Corner!
Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use these paint cleaning products.
Top 5 Best Paint Brush Cleaners
In a hurry? Check out our top five paint brush cleaners! Keep reading to discover more about our top picks.
What Are Paint Brush Cleaners For Paint Clean-Up?
After painting with a brush, it must be cleaned to avoid damage/failure. Cleaning up the paint job isn't the funniest part--but it doesn't have to be hard, either.
With the assistance of paintbrush cleaners like the ones listed in this guide, you can have your brushes and rollers cleaned up and be on your way without stressing too much.
But before you purchase the right paintbrush cleaner, you need to know what your options are.
Read More >> How Do You Paint Without Leaving Brush Strokes?
What Are The Different Types of Paint Brush Cleaners For Paint Clean-Up?
Hand tool/Brush comb
You can purchase hand tools like our top pick by Purdy that has one side for cleaner rollers, the other for cleaning brushes, and also opens paint lids.
Small tin container
Paintbrush cleaners like General Pencil Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver come in a tin just like pomade would, but instead of sticking your fingers in and taking a little bit of the product out, you simply open the container, and rub the paintbrush in the formula.
Roller and brush spinner
The Purdy 140755200 Brush and Roller Spinner Cleaning Tool is the perfect solution for after you have rinsed off your paint equipment with the hose or cleaned it with the proper solution.
This is a fantastic solution for water-based paints. Eye protection is recommended when using this product.
Hooks up to the hose
Another cool product that you might want to try for cleaning paint rollers is the Clean N Roll Paint Roller Cleaner
Bottled
You can buy products like paint thinner, lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, etc that simply come bottled and ready for use.
Air-tight container
Products like the LOONENG Air Tight Brush Washer are an air-tight container that aids in cleaning and also storing paintbrushes.
Brush rinsing pad
There are various silicone pads on the market that have been known to be effective when cleaning paintbrushes.
Read More >> How Do You Clean A Paint Sprayer?
How Do Paint Brush Cleaners For Paint Clean Up Work?
Paint clean up is really easy if you know how to do it correctly. If not, it can be a disaster! And you can ruin paintbrushes fast.
After you have cleaned all the paint off of your paintbrush, you might try spinning it in the palms of your hands to quickly dry it out.
And let's not exclude the classic trick of leaving paintbrushes with latex paint sealed in a plastic bag inside the fridge if you don't feel like cleaning them right away. That eliminates the immediate need to clean off the brush.
For Latex Paint
Latex paint is water-based.
This means that you don't need anything but hot water(or just water) to get the brush clean.
You could also use hand soap if necessary to break up some of the beads that can form in the lower part of the brush tip.
For Oil-based Paint
You can use paint thinner to clean oil-based paint off your brush. Most paint thinner is the same thing as mineral spirits.
Oil paints are typically made from linseed oil and can be modified with solvents like turpentine and mineral spirits. You can also add varnish to oil paint for a glossier finish.
For Lacquer
Lacquer thinner is used for effectively removing lacquer from the brush.
Lacquer is an extremely good option when painting cabinets, trim, vehicles, etc because it dries super hard and polishes up nicely with sandpaper.
Lacquers are resin-based--they dry hard as a rock.
Tip: You never want to get paint close to the ferrule(where the bristles meet the handle) of the brush. Once the paint has reached its way throughout the length of the bristles, that's when you know it's time to clean off the brush.
You also never want to pour water down into the ferrule of the brush because there is an epoxy inside the ferrule that holds the bristles together, and excess water inside will damage it.
Here is a video that will give you a good idea on how to clean your paintbrushes with care:
Read More >> What Are The Best Ways To Get Primer Off Your Hands?
What To Look For In The Best Paint Brush Cleaners?
Is it the right product?
It is very important that you use the correct product(if any) to clean your paintbrush, and it all depends on what type of paint you are working with.
Price
Be sure to compare prices when shopping on Amazon.
Different products offer the same function, and prices are always changing. Paying the best price for the best product is ideal.
Function
How does the function of the cleaner make your life convenient? Can you use it indoors?
Or is it more for outdoor use? Does it hook up to a hose? Does it clean all types of paint off the brush?
These are all valid questions when choosing the appropriate cleaning solution.
Our Reviews Of The Best Paint Brush Cleaners For Paint Clean Up
The perfect cleanup tool that keeps bristles uniform, dry, and ready for the next job.
Pros
Cons
Paint thinner is necessary for cleaning oil-based paints, and it is also useful for dissolving grease and oil off of surfaces like the garage floor.
One of the great qualities of Sunnyside is that it can be safely used indoors.
Pick up a 32 fluid ounce canister of Sunnyside off of Amazon for a steal of a price.
Pros
Cons
This leak-proof brush cleaner from LOONENG is a solution that will cure your paintbrush cleaning needs, and the great part about it is that it cleans any paintbrush effectively. Why?
Because it's a classic stainless steel container with a grill insert that helps scrub the brush.
All you need to do is put the cleaning solution inside; whether it be warm water, paint thinner, lacquer thinner -you name it.
Plus its airtight, so you have a place to store the cleaning solution while on the go.
Pros
Cons
Here is an easy solution for any painter who is constantly using small brushes.
One of the miracles of General Pencil Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver is that it can restore old paintbrushes to the original form and remove dried paint from the brush.
Although it may not be ideal for painting walls, General Pencil Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver is a great product for all small brushes.
For example, if you are constantly painting furniture, staining small areas and also painting artistically with watercolors, etc then this is a great option.
Pros
Cons
Pick #5: Bob Ross Brush Conditioner
If you want to try something different, you may want to try the Bob Ross brush cleaner and con
Although Bob Ross' paintbrush cleaning solution may not be ideal when painting walls, it will surely help keep your oil-based brushes used for staining furniture, etc. and not a bad item to keep in your paint bucket as it comes in a small and easily transportable container.
Pros
Cons
Our Top Pick: Purdy Contractor Brush Cleaning Tool
The Purdy brush cleaning tool, however, is a great solution because it keeps the bristles uniform and also has an opposite side for removing water from roller pads.
Check out the lowest price now on Amazon!
Read More >> How Do You Paint A Wall Like A Professional?
Final Thoughts On Paint Brush Cleaners For Paint Clean Up
Let us remind you to always paint safely! Eye protection is always a good idea when painting. And don't forget to use a cotton mask/respirator when using toxic paints.
Caring about the environment is important. Small amounts of latex paint won't hurt to pour down the drain, but you should never pour paint directly down the drain on purpose when cleaning up your project.
And remember, if you have any other questions don't forget to ask one of the professionals on our Pro Paint Corner page! We'll be happy to quickly respond with some sound advice concerning your next painting project.
