The number one rule of paintbrush care and preservation is “wash your brushes after you use them”. We all know the best way to avoid unnecessary spending on replacement brushes is to keep the ones you already have in new-like condition for as long as possible.
In a perfect world, there would always be time to thoroughly wash brushes after every single painting session, but in the real world, sometimes we have to pack up quickly and leave a classroom, grab our kit and run for shelter when it starts pouring, and drag ourselves away from the easel to get a few hours’ sleep before a day job. Even though life doesn’t always provide time to perform a proper brush care regimen, it’s possible to take measures to prevent dry material from ruining our valuable painting tools until they can get a proper washing.
Techniques that work:
Foil and Baggies
Non-drying and semi-drying oils
Essential oils
Retarder Gel
Refrigeration
What not to do:
Soaking in water or solvent
Let them dry and hope brush restorer will save them