A quality finishing brush is worth taking care of. Clean, flexible bristles hold and distribute finish better, making it easier to lay down a smooth, even coat.
Fortunately, good finishing brush care doesn't require much time.
The key is developing a routine that starts before the brush ever touches the finish and continues for a few minutes after you're done. Condition the bristles before use, clean them promptly afterward, and protect their shape during storage.
Those simple habits can keep a good brush working well for years.
Condition Your Brush Before Applying Finish
One of the easiest ways to keep finish from becoming trapped deep inside a brush is to condition the bristles before you start.
This technique is sometimes called pre-loading. Dip the bristles up to the ferrule in the appropriate liquid for the finish you're about to apply and let them soak for about a minute.
Depending on the finish, the appropriate liquid may be mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, alcohol, or water.
The liquid works its way into the bristles near the ferrule, filling the area where finish can otherwise collect and dry. As a result, the brush stays more flexible during use and is easier to clean afterward.
Before dipping the brush into the finish, shake or wipe away as much of the conditioning liquid as possible.
Woodsmith Tip: Start with the Right Liquid. Use the liquid that's compatible with the finish you're applying. Check the finish manufacturer's directions when you're unsure about the appropriate thinner or cleanup method.
Don't Let Finish Dry in the Brush
Once you're done applying finish, clean the brush promptly.
Start by removing as much finish from the bristles as possible.
Work both sides of the brush against the inside edge of the can or finishing container, moving from the ferrule toward the tips. Continue until you're no longer removing much finish.
Taking a moment to do this before rinsing means less finish ends up in your cleaning solvent.
Rinse the Bristles Thoroughly
Next, rinse the brush in the appropriate solvent or cleaning liquid.
The same liquid used to condition the brush can be used for the initial rinse.
Work the cleaning liquid through the bristles rather than simply dropping the brush into the container and walking away. The goal is to loosen finish from between the bristles and especially from the area near the ferrule.
If the cleaning liquid becomes heavily contaminated with finish, replace it and continue rinsing until the brush is clean.
Give the Brush a Final Wash
For an especially thorough cleaning, follow the solvent rinse with dish soap and warm water.
Wet the brush and gently work dish soap through the bristles with your fingers.
A brush comb can also help separate the bristles and loosen any remaining finish.
After a couple of minutes, rinse away the soap thoroughly.
Natural bristles generally aren't a good match for applying water-based finishes because they absorb moisture. But a brief water wash during cleanup isn't a problem as long as you dry and store the brush properly afterward.
Reshape the Bristles Before Storage
A brush isn't ready for storage just because it's clean. Once the brush is thoroughly clean and dry, straighten the bristles and return it to its original cardboard keeper if you still have it.
If the original keeper is gone, make one from heavy paper.
The wrapper protects the bristles from damage while helping them retain their proper shape. Avoid simply tossing an uncovered brush into a drawer or finishing cabinet where the bristles can become bent or splayed.
Woodsmith Tip: Don't Throw Away the Brush Keeper. That cardboard wrapper isn't just packaging. Keep it with the brush and use it after every cleaning to help maintain the shape of the bristles.
A Simple Brush-Care Routine
Taking care of a finishing brush doesn't need to become another project. Make these four steps part of every finishing session: Condition → Clean → Wash → Wrap
Condition the bristles before applying finish. Remove the finish and rinse the brush as soon as you're done. Give it a thorough wash when needed. Then reshape and protect the bristles before putting the brush away.
A few minutes spent caring for a good brush pays off every time you open another can of finish.
Need a Deeper Brush Cleaning?
Routine maintenance will keep a good brush in shape, but sometimes a brush needs more attention. Our complete brush-cleaning guide covers solvent cleaning, brush combs, proper storage, and even how to rescue a brush with dried finish in the bristles.
COMPLETE BRUSH-CLEANING GUIDE → How to Clean a Finishing Brush the Right Way
Make Sure You're Using the Right Brush
Good brush care starts with choosing the right applicator. Learn when to use natural bristles, synthetic bristles, foam brushes, wiping rags, and finishing pads.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT APPLICATOR → How to Choose the Right Applicator for Wood Finish
