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It is important for all artists to take care of their tools. Brushes in particular can last a lifetime if they are of the right quality and are cared for properly. See our handy hints below to help you make the most of your Winsor & Newton Brushes:

 

To ensure the best possible performance and longest life for your hog brushes follow these simple rules:

 

1. Always clean brushes immediately after use (see below). 

2. Never leave brushes resting on their bristles. 

3. Shape up bristles with your fingers after cleaning. 

4. If you are storing hog brushes for any length of time, make sure they  are clean and perfectly dry and keep them in a box with a tight fitting lid to avoid moth damage. If the brushes are not absolutely dry they may develop mildew. 

5. Paint should never be allowed to dry on any brush. Should this happen household paint stripper could be used to soften it, however the brush is unlikely to return to its original shape afterwards.

  

1. Wipe excess colour from the brush using a rag. 

2. Rinse remaining colour form brush using Artists’ White Spirit or Sansodor for oils and alkyds, water for Artisan. 

3. Next, clean the bristle with Winsor & Newton Artgel or household soap (not detergent), working up a lather and rinsing the brush under warm (not hot) water. Repeat this until there is no trace of colour. Ensure all traces of soap are removed. 

4. Finally, shape up the brush, dry the handle and rest the brush bristles uppermost in a pot or jar to dry. 

Artisan Brushes

 

To ensure the best performance and long lasting quality of this particular brush range, follow these simple rules: 

1. Always clean brushes after use with plenty of soap and water or Winsor & Newton Artgel until all traces of colour have gone. 

2. Remove excess water and re-shape the head. 

3. Never leave the brushes standing on their head. 

4. Store the brushes carefully, head uppermost. 

 

1. Wash your brush as per cleaning instructions below. The most common cause of a brush no longer pointing is the build up of pigment particles in the base of the brush. If they are allowed to build up they simply push the hairs apart and prevent the point from forming. 

2. Avoid storage in direct sunlight. 

3. If you are storing brushes for any length of time, make sure they are clean and perfectly dry before putting them away in an airtight box. 

4. Moth repellents are recommended when storing the brush, but cannot be relied upon as a sure preventative against moth damage.

 

1. Brushes should be wiped clean on a lint-free rag and then rinsed under running water. 

2. Clean brushes gently with cool water and mild soap, gently swirl the soapy brush in the palm of your hand. 

3. Repeat washing and rinsing the brush until the soap and water run clear. You’ll be amazed how much colour comes from the brush head. Take particular care to ensure that the base of the brush head is clean. 

4. Some pigments may stain the brush slightly, but this will not affect the performance or the life of the hair. 

5. Gently reshape the head and remove excess water from the brush head. 

6. Dry the handle and ferrule and stand head up to allow the hair to dry.

 

1. Always clean your brush immediately after use. 

2. If colour has been allowed to dry on the brush, household brush restorer can be used but it is unlikely that the brush will return to its original shape. 

3. If you are storing brushes for any length of time, make sure they are clean and perfectly dry before putting them in an air tight box. 

4. Never leave brushes standing on their bristles.

 

1. Brushes should be wiped clean on a lint-free rag and then rinsed under running water. 

2. Clean brushes gently with cool water and mild soap, gently swirl the soapy brush in the palm of your hand. 

3. Repeat washing and rinsing the brush until the soap and water run clear. You’ll be amazed how much colour comes from the brush head. Take particular care to ensure that the base of the brush head is clean. 

4. Some pigments may stain the brush slightly, but this will not affect the performance or the life of the hair. 

5. Gently reshape the head and remove excess water from the brush head. 

6. Dry the handle and ferrule and stand head up to allow the hair to dry.