How To Clean Old, Dirty & “Ruined” Paint Brushes for Miniatures

By Tim Roberts | March 5th, 2024 | Categories: Hobby Hacks, Hobby Products, How To Tutorial, Tabletop Gaming Products, Top 10, Videos

Learn how to clean and restore your old, dirty, and “ruined” paint brushes with two simple products in this miniature painting tutorial.

Do you love painting miniatures but struggle with keeping your paint brushes clean and in good condition? Dirty and damaged brushes can make painting a frustrating and expensive experience. But don’t worry, we have got you covered! We’ll guide you through a simple and effective method to clean and restore your old, dirty, and “ruined” paintbrushes for miniatures using two fantastic products.

How To Clean Dirty, Old, & “Ruined” Paint Brushes for Miniatures

These are the brushes we’ll be cleaning and restoring in this tutorial, and as you can see, they are in pretty rough condition! Best of all, with this cleaning method, you might never have to buy new brushes again if you don’t want to!

Before we look at how easy this is to do, let’s cover how to clean your brushes in general. We’ll also share some tips on how to maintain and prolong the life of your brushes going forward.

Cleaning paint brushes for miniatures is essential for preserving their performance and longevity. Here’s a basic cleaning routine:

After every painting session, swish your brushes in clean water to remove residual acrylic paint.
Consider using a dedicated brush soap and cleaner, which is specifically formulated for cleaning brushes.
Dry your brushes properly by hanging them vertically or laying them horizontally on a brush rest.
For a deeper clean, especially if the paint has dried on the bristles, use a brush restorer solution, which we do below!

How Do You Clean Paint Brushes for Miniatures?

For our cleaning process, we start with a glass cup (or shot glass) and a bottle of Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner. Pour in a decent amount and add a little more for each extra brush you want to clean. It’s not an exact science, so you have to do it a couple of times to get the exact amount you need.

One big thing to note is to keep this away from pets and children, as drinking it would not be good, to say the least.

After the cup is full, set brushes in the solution and tack them to the side of the glass with some poster tac. If you let the wood of the handle brushes sit in the solution, it will actually damage the handles. Likewise letting them sit on the bottom of the glass with smash the brush bristles and possible damage the ferrule that attaches them to the handle, as well.

Allow your brushes to rest in the solution for about 5-10 min.

Step 2

After you take them out, wash them off in water. Then, take some Jentastic Drunken Brush Goop Conditioner or Masters Cleaner and put some in your palm with the brush like the picture above. Next, run the bristles through it in the folds of your palm until it looks smooth, then wash it off again.

After they have been cleaned and conditioned, these brushes look great! You can also apply the conditioner regularly to your brushes to extend their life!

Click on these links to get your brushes clean in no time:

Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner: 125ml
Jentastic Drunken Brush Goop Conditioner: 1oz

Top 5 Cleaning Tips For Paint Brushes For Miniatures

1. Remove Residual Paint with Water. After every painting session, make it a habit to swish your brushes in clean water. This simple yet effective step helps remove any lingering acrylic paint from the bristles. Using a dedicated water pot can enhance this process, ensuring that your brushes are thoroughly rinsed.

2. Use Brush Soap After Every Paint Session: Invest in a high-quality brush soap and cleaner, such as Jentastic Drunken Brush Goop Conditioner or Master’s Brush Soap & Cleaner. This cost-effective solution is a game-changer when it comes to preserving your brushes. Using brush soap regularly ensures your brushes remain in top-notch shape, ready to deliver impeccable results.

3. Dry Your Brushes Correctly: The way you dry your brushes matters. Whenever possible, hang your brushes vertically with the bristle tip down. Alternatively, you can lay them horizontally on a brush rest. This prevents water from seeping into the ferrule (the metal part of the brush), which can lead to damage and deformation of the bristles.

4. Deep Cleaning with Brush Restorer Solution: For thorough deep cleaning, especially if you notice dried acrylic paint on the bristles, consider soaking your brushes up to the ferrule in a solution like Winsor & Newton’s Brush Restorer. This solution works wonders in reviving your brushes, ensuring they maintain their pristine condition.

5. Opt for Cool or Lukewarm Water: When cleaning your brushes, always use cool or lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can potentially damage the delicate bristles and the brush itself. Maintaining the right water temperature is crucial for extending the life of your brushes.

When Should You Clean Your Paint Brushes for Miniatures?

After each painting session, perform a thorough wash and rinse with clean, cool, or lukewarm water. Using brush soap is highly recommended for optimal results.

To keep your small paint brushes in tip-top condition, adhere to the following cleaning schedule:

After Every Painting Session
Weekly or Every 3-4 Hours of Painting: For deeper cleaning, especially if you’ve been painting for extended periods, consider using a liquid brush cleaner. This step is essential to remove paint that may have penetrated deeper into the bristles, such as up in the ferrule.

Remember, cleaning your brushes isn’t just about maintaining their appearance; it’s about preserving their functionality and longevity. By following these top-notch cleaning tips and establishing a regular cleaning routine, you’ll ensure that your miniature paint brushes are always ready to help you bring your artistic visions to life.

What is the Best Thing to Clean Miniature Paint Brushes With?

Invest in a dedicated brush soap and cleaner, such as Jentastic Drunken Brush Goop Conditioner or Master’s Brush Soap & Cleaner; they are both formulated for efficient brush maintenance.

Clean Water: Always start by rinsing your brushes in clean water to remove as much paint as possible.
Brush Soap and Cleaner: Jentastic Drunken Brush Goop Conditioner or Master’s Brush Soap & Cleaner
Brush Restorer Solution: For stubborn, dried paint or a deep clean, use a brush restorer solution like Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner.
Brush Rest: Ensure proper drying by using a brush rest to keep the bristles in the correct position during drying.

How Do You Clean Warhammer Miniature Paint Brushes?

Cleaning Warhammer or Citadel paint brushes follows the same principles as cleaning brushes for miniatures. To clean your Warhammer brushes effectively, follow these steps:

Rinse your brushes in clean water after each painting session.
Employ a reliable brush, soap, and cleaner to maintain their condition.
Ensure proper drying by hanging brushes vertically or using a brush rest.
If necessary, utilize a brush restorer solution for a thorough, deep clean.

Be sure to watch the straightforward tutorial on how to clean your old, dirty, and “ruined” paint brushes for miniatures below:

Keeping your paint brushes clean and well-maintained is crucial for achieving great results in your miniature painting projects. With the simple cleaning routine outlined in this tutorial, you can even restore your old, dirty, and “ruined” brushes and extend their lifespan.

Going forward, investing in high-quality brush soap and cleaner, brush restorer solution, and following the cleaning tips we’ve discussed, you’ll be able to keep your brushes in pristine condition for years to come. So, why not give it a try and see the difference it can make in your painting?