Hey there, Reclaimers!
Investing in a good quality brush makes all the difference when it comes to furniture painting…and keeping those brushes in good condition ensures a successful & enjoyable experience.
Whether you are using the beautiful Mango Paint Ultra Soft brushes or the luxurious Cling On! brushes, these 3 tips will ensure your brushes will last for years and many projects to come!
Don’t overload
The most common way paint brushes lose their shape and effectiveness is by overloading it with paint. Mango Paint covers like a dream & a little goes a long way, so there is no need to fill your brush from tip to base with paint—that is just a mess waiting to happen!
Instead, make sure you leave at least an inch or so (depending on the size and length of your brush) from the metal base clean & dry. Too much build up of old dry paint at the base of your brush causes the bristles to fray and lose it’s shape.
2. clean your brushes well
The bonus of Mango Paint is that it cleans up beautifully without needing any harsh cleaners or chemicals—a bit of warm running water is all you’ll need!
If the bristles are a little dry or crusty, massage a drop of mild dish soap into the bristles to help loosen them up—be sure to rinse all the suds away too!
Always wash your brushes with the bristles pointed down toward the sink basin and run your fingers through. This will help keep water from soaking into the metal base which can cause rusting and the bristles to fray.
3. dry them upside down
Keeping moisture away from the metal base of your brush is important to prevent rusting—so hang them to dry bristles down.
We use a magnetic knife strip here at the studio, but a little bit of string and a cupboard door works just as well!
Once the bristles are fully dried, they can be stored laying flat or bristles up.
Remember to pat or wipe the brush handle too to remove any excess water.
Your tools can make or break any furniture painting project, so invest in good quality brushes & care for them regularly—it will truly make all the difference!
Be sure to browse & shop our full collection of Mango Paint & Cling ON! brushes here.
Happy Painting!
~Allie