If the oil paintbrush is kept properly, its service life can be prolonged. The brush should be cleaned in time after use to prevent the paint from drying on the brush bristles. When it is not used for a long time, it should be cleaned thoroughly and sealed with paper.
(1) If you don’t use it for a short time, wipe off the paint remaining on the brush with cloth or paper, then wash it with turpentine and soak it in water.
(2) Use turpentine to clean used brushes. Two jars containing turpentine can be prepared. One is used for preliminary cleaning to remove the remaining paint on the brush; the other is used for the second cleaning.
(3) The method of thorough cleaning
①After cleaning with turpentine, dip the pen in clean water or warm water and rub it on soap (Note: You can’t use boiling water, because boiling water will damage the metal hoop of the brush).
② Squeeze with your fingers or turn the brush hair in the palm of your hand.
③ Repeat the above actions until the soap foam turns white.
④ After rinsing with clean water, straighten out the brush bristles, wrap the pen with a slightly harder piece of paper and store it for later use. When cleaning the brush, use moderate force, otherwise, the brush bristles will be easily damaged. The soap used must be weak alkali soap (there are special brush cleaning soaps abroad) to prevent the brush bristles from hardening. You can use silk and wool detergent, never use paint thinner, it will make the brush bristle because of the loss of oil. Shortened oil paintbrushes are usually thrown away. If you heat the metal hoop on the flame and pull the brush bristles out a bit without changing the shape of the brush bristles, you can extend the service life of the brush. Wash the brush clean each time and then remove it. Put it in the curtain of the roller pen.
