Believe it or not, ordinary dish soap can do wonders for your brushes. Here’s how you can use it:
Six Of The Best Detailing Brush Cleaning Tips
Here at Auto Finesse we’re dedicated to the notion that detailing is a bona fide artform. So, with that in mind, it stands to reason that that a true artist will always need a selection of top-quality brushes, right? And that’s why we’ve developed a whole selection of advanced brushes over the years, including specialist items for upholstery, interior details, and even wheel barrels.On a very basic level though, every enthusiast can be more effective at various cleaning jobs, just by utilising a brush. And that’s probably why our Set of 3 Detailing Brushes, remains one of our most popular products ever. At the very least they offer a selection of sizes and give you the freedom to purpose-use each brush for various sections of your vehicle. The ultimate truth is that brushes are essential tools, they not only reach the areas that other parts of your car care kit can’t. But, they’re arguably even better for mastering those little professional-level tricks that are all too often forgotten. Basically speaking, there’s only two rules when it comes to using brushes, these are to combine them with the correct product for the job in hand, and most importantly, to make sure you have a decent collection in the first place! We already know that our Detailing Brushes have a multitude of uses, but here’s six of the best professional tricks and tips to help you create a masterpiece… with nothing more than few strokes.
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Fuel Caps And Flaps
What’s the first thing a competent detailer does before starting any wash? They pop the fuel flap of course. It’s small thing admittedly, but one that plenty are guilty of overlooking. Inside the flap, and all around the cap, is one of the biggest dirt traps on any vehicle – something that often becomes evident during rinsing with a pressure washer, as clean water dislodges grit, grime and fuel deposits… and then sees them slide down your freshly shampooed paintwork. Luckily the solution is simple, our scratch-less, pure bristle Detailing Brushes are safe for use on painted surfaces. And, used in conjunction with a suitable cleaning solution, like Citrus Power or Verso All Purpose Cleaner, will gently lift away grime with minimal agitation.
Inner Doors
Removing dirt and debris trapped inside the door shuts and sills is task that most perform on both decon and maintenance washes… but you’d be surprised how many forget to clean the inside of the actual doors. Our Detailing Brushes and Verso All Purpose Cleaner are perfectly suited to both these areas, and are a particularly essential combination when performing a full detail.
Pick the Right Brush Cleaning Solution
Before we start cleaning, it’s important to pick the right solution. And to do that, you need to know your brush material and choose a cleaning solution accordingly.
Knowing Your Brush Material
Brushes can be made from various materials—natural hair, bristle, or synthetic. Natural hair brushes, like sable or hog, tend to be more delicate and require a gentle cleaning solution. On the other hand, synthetic brushes can handle stronger solutions. Knowing your brush material is the first step in choosing a suitable cleaning solution.
Choosing the Solution
Once you’ve identified your brush material, it’s time to choose a cleaning solution. For natural brushes, a mild soap or a specific brush cleaner would work best. Synthetic brushes can handle stronger stuff—turpentine or white spirit can be effective. Remember, the goal is to remove oil paint without damaging the brush.
Popular Brands for Cleaning Solutions
There are several popular brands offering brush cleaning solutions. Winsor & Newton’s Brush Cleaner and Restorer, Bob Ross’s Brush Cleaner and Conditioner, and General Pencil’s The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver are a few that artists find reliable. These products are specially formulated to deep clean without harming your brushes. Always remember to read the instructions before using any product.
So, there you have it: your guide to picking the right cleaning solution. Armed with these oil brush cleaning tips, you’re ready to ensure your brushes get the care they deserve. Stay tuned for the next section where we’ll discuss the cleaning process in more detail.
Understand the Cleaning Process
Now that you’ve picked the right cleaning solution, it’s time to understand the cleaning process. Properly cleaning your oil brushes involves more than just dunking them in a solution and hoping for the best.
Dip, Don’t Soak
When it comes to cleaning your oil brushes, the golden rule is to dip, not soak. Soaking can cause the ferrule—the metal part that holds the bristles—to rust, and it can also damage the handle. Instead, dip your brush into the cleaning solution and gently wipe it on a rag or paper towel until no more color comes off.
Gentle Circulation
After dipping, gently circulate your brush in the palm of your hand or against the bottom of your cleaning jar. This helps to loosen up the dried paint. But remember—be gentle! Too much pressure can damage the bristles.
Rinse and Repeat
Once you’ve circulated your brush in the cleaning solution, rinse it under warm (not hot) water. Then, repeat the dipping and circulating process until your brush is completely clean. This might take a few rounds, but it’s worth it to maintain the quality of your brushes.
Understanding the cleaning process is a key oil brush cleaning tip. It’s not just about removing the paint—it’s about caring for your tools so they can continue to help you create beautiful artwork. Up next, let’s talk about the proper way to dry your brushes.
Dry Your Brushes Properly
Once your brushes are clean, drying them the right way is the next step. Incorrect drying can lead to damaged bristles, making your brushes less effective and shortening their lifespan. Let’s walk through some oil brush cleaning tips about proper drying.
Lay Flat to Dry
After rinsing, gently squeeze out any excess water from your brush and then lay it flat on a clean towel to dry. Why flat? If you stand brushes up to dry, water can seep into the ferrule, causing the glue to weaken and the bristles to fall out. So, remember: always lay flat.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
While it might be tempting to speed up the drying process by placing brushes in the sun, this can cause more harm than good. Direct sunlight can damage the bristles and fade the handle. Instead, opt for a cool, dry area with good air circulation.
Use Brush Guards
Brush guards are a great tool to help maintain the shape of your brushes while they dry. Simply slide a guard onto the brush after cleaning and leave it on until the brush is completely dry. If you don’t have brush guards, you can also use a piece of clean, dry cloth, wrapping it around the bristles and securing it with a rubber band.
Correct drying is an often overlooked, but crucial part of oil brush cleaning tips. But proper cleaning and drying aren’t the only ways to maintain your brushes—let’s look at some additional maintenance tips next.
