We use a lot of tools in improving our houses and since we use them every now and then, it is but proper to buy high-quality ones and take care of them well to be able to use them again the next time we want an upgrading in our properties. Monarch wall paint brushes are among these tools that need maintenance care to optimise their use.
Wall paint brushes are appropriate to apply paint on large, flat surfaces because they also have wide and flat bristles. You can achieve even and smooth coverage for your walls and ceilings because you can make uninterrupted strokes across wide areas. This type of brush is available in different sizes but common are the ones with 3-4 inches width. Now to properly clean and maintain your wall paint brush?
First of all, scrape off excess paint from the brush to make it easier to clean. You can do it by gently scraping the bristles along the edge of the paint can or tray to effectively remove the leftover paint. Another way to do it is to press the bristles against a piece of scrap paper or cardboard to eliminate the remaining paint on it before cleaning.
Rinsing and cleaning with soap the water-based paint is the next step to follow. Swirl it around the warm water, then apply a mild soap or dishwashing detergent to the bristles and clean it using your fingers. Rinse well until you can see clear water already.
Removing oil-based paint has a different approach. Dip your brush with oil-based paint into the solvent, either paint thinner or mineral spirits. Work the paint remover through the bristles, and when the paint comes out already, rinse also the brush with warm water and soap. This is also done to remove the thinner or solvents that are still in the brush.
When you are done cleaning, gently reshape the bristles with a brush comb or with your plain fingers. Never let them dry inside your storage. It is best to dry them out completely by laying them flat or hanging them upside down. Avoid an upright position for your wall paint brush especially when still wet, this condition can bend the bristles and lose their shape.
Your high-quality wall paint brush can still go a long, long way if you know how to keep it appropriately. Once fully dried, the best place to keep them is in a cool, dry place to prevent being damaged by moisture. Also, avoid oversoaking them, this can weaken the adhesive that holds the bristles in place. Once you notice frayed or bent bristles, it’s time to replace them because these can already affect your painting output.
Final Thoughts
You want to save money by reusing your available old wall paint brush but if it is not well-maintained and cleaned it won’t produce a professional-like finish, leaving streaks or uneven texture with dried paint or other debris present on the applied paint. Follow these steps in taking care of your paint brushes for their longevity, they will save you money while accomplishing a flawless finish on every painting project you have.