CLEANING BRUSHES AND CARE FOR YOUR OIL ART SUPPLIES

Always clean your brushes after painting. Brushes are expensive and oils can damage them.

To clean brushes, first wipe off excess paint with paper towel. Dip brush in thinner (avoid touching bottom of container) wipe off on paper towel. Repeat this until brush wipes off clean. Now clean brush with soap and water. Lay brushes flat until dry, so water won’t run into ferrule and loosen hairs.

Scrape all remaining paint off of palette onto paper towel. Clean your palette using thinner.

Wash hands and finger nails. You can use baby oil or mineral oil to loosen paint on hands. Then wash with soap and water. Remember, paints, solvents and thinners can be absorbed through the skin and can be harmful.

Keep lids tightly closed on paint, medium, and thinners. Thinners, paints rags and used paper towels can pose a fire risk. Keep flammable substances away from flames. Empty trash frequently. Clean up any spills immediately. Store flammable solvents in a secure cool place.

Tips for decanting solvents; Thinners can be reused to avoid harmful disposal. Never dump thinners down sinks! Pour used thinner into a settling container, such as a glass jar with lid, seal and leave for a week. Paint (pigment) will sink to the bottom. Pour clear thinner into a seal-able storage container for reuse.

Keep your work area well ventilated. All solvents, including odorless varieties, can cause faintness and nausea.

KEEP ALL SOLVENTS, PAINTS AND THINNERS AWAY FROM SMALL CHILDREN!