Brush Cleaning 101:
How to Take Care of
Your Brushes

Whether you're a muralist working on a massive brick surface, an artist focusing on fine details, or a DIYer bringing a dull room back to life, your brush is practically your magic wand. And like any magic wand, it needs care to keep performing at its best.

At Zibra, we design our brushes, like our Trifecta and Not-So-Square Brushes, to help you paint with precision, comfort, and ease. But even the best tools need proper TLC. Here’s how to take care of your brushes so they stay in shape, project after project. 

1. Don’t Let Paint Creep Past the Ferrule

Try not to get paint past the ferrule (that’s the metal part that holds the bristles together). When paint dries near the metal, it’s really hard to keep your brush in good shape. Zibra brushes are designed with precision-cut bristles to give you control, but even the best bristles can get weighed down if the paint goes too far.

2. Water is Your Brush’s Best Friend

The sooner your brush gets into water, the better! Leaving paint to dry on your brush (even for a few minutes) can lead to buildup and stiff bristles. Keep a bucket of cold water nearby while painting so you can rinse often and avoid paint drying mid-project.

3. Rinse Often While You Paint

Don’t wait until the end of your project to start thinking about cleaning. Rinse your brush often while painting so paint doesn’t have time to dry on the bristles. This is especially important when using fast-drying paints or working outdoors in the heat.

4. Cleaning Water-Based Paints

If you’re using water-based paints, clean with warm water and mild dish soap. (Not hot! This can change the shape of your bristles, and nobody wants a wonky detail brush.) Zibra brushes are made to last, but temperature matters! Step up the cleaning process using the Zibra Paintbrush Cleaning Tool — it makes the process go much faster and takes the hassle out of the process. 

5. Be Gentle with Those Bristles

Gently work out the paint and avoid crushing the bristles. Swirl the brush in your palm or a bowl to loosen paint. Crushing or smashing bristles can lead to fraying and uneven strokes, which can totally mess with your finish.