Care Guide: Watercolour Brushes

How to take care of your watercolour brushes: Rinse them thoroughly after each use, shape the tip while it is still damp, and let them dry flat or hanging with the bristles facing down. With proper care, your brushes will last longer and perform better every time you paint.

Watercolour brushes are unique tools with their fine, delicate bristles, requiring special care. A well-maintained brush easily forms the sharp, even point essential for distinct shapes and crisp details in watercolour painting. The brush’s ability to hold water is also key to the technique. When you understand the properties of the brush and learn the correct methods for storage and cleaning, your watercolour brushes will remain in excellent condition for much longer. In this guide, we share our top tips for cleaning, storage, and long-lasting use, as well as the most common mistakes to avoid!

The Anatomy of a Watercolour Brush

• Handle: This is where you hold the brush! You’ll often find the brush name and series number on the handle, which is typically made of wood or plastic.
  
  
• Ferrule: The metal part that connects the handle to the brush head. The bristles are secured with glue inside the ferrule.
  
  
• Head: The bristles of the brush, also referred to as the head. They may be made from natural hair or synthetic fibres and come in different shapes. What defines the head of a watercolour brush is its very sharp, fine point, perfect for painting all shapes and brushstrokes, including small details. The head is more delicate than on other types of brushes, such as acrylic or oil brushes – which means that proper cleaning and care is especially important.

Cleaning Watercolour Brushes

Watercolour paint is water-soluble and light in formula. Therefore, rinsing your brush with water after use is usually sufficient. Let the brush dry horizontally, or hanging with the tip down in a brush washer. Never leave a brush to dry standing upright with the tip up – water can seep into the ferrule and dissolve the glue, damaging the brush. Depending on how often you paint, you should occasionally clean your brush more thoroughly using brush soap or shampoo. This helps maintain the brush’s shape and spring while preventing dried pigment and dust from damaging the bristles. Read our guide on brush cleaning for detailed instructions on quick daily care and occasional deep cleans.

Guide: How to Clean Watercolour Brushes ⭢

Storing Your Watercolour Brushes

How you store your brushes is just as important as how you clean them. With the right storage method, brushes retain their shape, and the delicate bristles are protected from unnecessary wear. Your watercolour brushes will stay in top condition for a long time – saving you money and giving better results when painting.

In the Studio

There are several ways to store your brushes in the studio. A common method is to place them upright in a brush holder or container. Choose a stylish ceramic, glass, or metal pot for a decorative touch that keeps brushes within reach. Just make sure the brushes are completely dry before storing them upright, otherwise, water can seep into the bristle roots and dissolve the glue.

Another great option is to store them flat in a dedicated brush case or in a drawer, protected from dust and exposure. Many artists have large brush collections, with favourites that change over time. It can be a good idea to keep your go-to brushes easily accessible in a holder, while storing the rest safely in a drawer. This helps extend the lifespan of the brushes you’re not currently using by protecting them from dust and sunlight.

When Travelling

When transporting your brushes, protection is especially important. Never toss them loose into a bag where they can be damaged by other items, always use a protective case. However, never store damp brushes in a closed case or bag, as the trapped moisture can lead to mould. Always let brushes dry completely before packing them away.

Shop Brush Storage ⭢

Be Gentle While Painting

To ensure your brushes last, it’s crucial to treat them gently while painting. Here are some important tips for careful brushwork.

• Handle colour gently. When picking up paint from pans, avoid aggressive movements that could damage the tip. Spray water on the pans first to soften the paint, then use soft, sweeping strokes. Never swirl with the tip pointing down.
  
  
• Use separate brushes for rougher techniques. Techniques like dry brushing, scrubbing, or lifting colour with a dry brush are hard on bristles. Use a simpler, synthetic brush for these rather than your finest watercolour brushes.
  
  
• Right brush for the right medium. Only use your watercolour brushes for watercolour paint. Other media like masking fluid, acrylic or gouache can permanently damage the brush.
  
  
• Store correctly while painting. Never leave a brush standing in water with the tip down. This can loosen the glue and permanently deform the shape.
  
  
• Watch your fingers. Avoid touching the brush head with your fingers, natural oils from your skin can build up and affect the brush’s ability to absorb water. The only exception is gentle shaping or cleaning of the tip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brush Care

How do you clean brushes properly?

After each use, rinse the brush gently in lukewarm water until the water runs completely clear. A few times a year, give your brush a deeper clean using brush soap or shampoo. 

How often should you clean your brushes?

Daily rinsing with water after each use. Deep cleaning with brush shampoo a few times per year, or when the brush starts to feel dry and lifeless.

For an in-depth guide to brush cleaning, read our article How to Clean Watercolour Brushes ⭢

What is the best way to store brushes?

Brushes can be stored upright or flat, as long as they are completely dry. When travelling, always use a protective case – but never store damp brushes, as this can lead to mould.

What’s the best way to dry a brush?

Lay the brush flat on a piece of kitchen roll or a towel. Avoid placing it upright while drying, as water can collect near the base and loosen the glue.

How do you keep the brush tip in shape?

After cleaning, gently shape the tip by pulling it across a towel or lightly with your fingers. Avoid leaving the brush in water with the tip down. A gently used brush will retain its shape much longer.

Why is my brush splaying or shedding hairs?

This can happen if paint residue or dust has built up at the base of the bristles. It can also be caused by rough handling or natural oils from your fingers affecting the fibres.

How can I rescue a dry brush?

A dry brush can be revived with brush shampoo. Clean the brush thoroughly, massage the shampoo into the tip, shape it, and let it dry flat overnight with the shampoo still in place. Rinse thoroughly before using again.

How do you remove masking fluid from brushes?

It’s not possible to remove dried masking fluid from a brush. Always use a separate brush for masking fluid, and apply some soap to the brush before use to protect it. Rinse immediately after use.