The number one rule of paintbrush care and preservation is “wash your brushes after you use them”. We all know that, and a frugal artist realizes that 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