Scale Model Basics: How to clean paintbrushes

William: Yes, soapy water will really clean acrylic paint from your brushes. I recommend a good, simple liquid soap like Dr. Bronner's™. My technique is slightly different than the one presented here.  If you are using oil, lacquer, or other hydrocarbon solvent paints, I recommend still washing them in soapy water after they are cleaned of the paint and solvent. You want to be sure to get the hydrocarbon solvent completely out, as it will damage the bristles as it evaporates. Water is much less damaging.  One thing I always do before storing a brush is treat it with hair conditioner—same stuff I shower with—and rinsing it thoroughly. This is especially needed for non-aqueous paints. After watching this video, I'm going to look into "hair putty."

Tim, Very informative. Will soapy water really clean your brush? Should you do that after every use or after several uses? Where do you buy the putty?