7 Products Tested to Find the Best Solvent for Cleaning Paint Brushes

As an artist, I’ve had my fair share of ruined brushes and frustrating clean-up sessions. There’s nothing worse than reaching for a favorite brush, only to find it stiff with dried paint. So, I set out on a mission to discover the best solvent for cleaning paint brushes, not just for myself, but for fellow creatives. I’ve personally tried and tested several options, from dedicated cleaners to essential tools, to see what truly delivers a sparkling clean and extends the life of our valuable brushes. This guide shares my honest findings on products that help keep your brushes in top shape.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	CUGEBANNA Paint Brush Washer,Airtight Stainless Steel Brush…	View on Amazon
	17pcs Multi-Purpose Spray Gun Cleaning Kit,Nylon Brushes…	View on Amazon
	Fuumuui 100% Vegan Paint Brush Cleaner Soap, Solvent Free…	View on Amazon
	Lisle 14000 Parts Cleaning Brush	View on Amazon
	PHOENIX Painting Diluent – 16.9 Fl Oz./ 500ml Oil Brush…	View on Amazon
	US Art Supply Deluxe Brush Cleaner-Brush Washer with Wash…	View on Amazon
	U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer, 16 Ounce…	View on Amazon

CUGEBANNA Paint Brush Washer, Airtight Stainless Steel Brush…

This isn’t just a basic container; it’s a clever system designed to make cleaning your brushes with solvents much more efficient. Made from durable stainless steel, it boasts a sealable lid that’s brilliant for keeping volatile cleaners from evaporating too quickly or spilling. I especially loved the built-in wringer – it effectively squeezes out excess paint and cleaner, making the process cleaner and more economical. Plus, the included cleaning beads provide a gentle scrub without damaging delicate bristles, extending the life of your expensive brushes.

Key features that stand out:
– Airtight stainless steel construction to prevent leaks and solvent evaporation.
– Integrated wringer for efficient paint and cleaner removal.
– Stainless steel cleaning beads protect bristles while enhancing cleaning.
– Portable design, suitable for studio or outdoor use.

Pros:
– Excellent for conserving solvents and reducing fumes.
– Protects brushes from damage during cleaning.
– Very durable and easy to clean.
Cons:
– Requires manual swirling for thorough cleaning, which can be a bit repetitive.

Best for: Artists who regularly use solvents like turpentine or spirits and want to conserve them while providing superior brush protection.

Expert Opinion: This washer is a must-have for anyone serious about brush maintenance, especially when using strong solvents; its design significantly improves cleaning efficacy and extends solvent life.

17pcs Multi-Purpose Spray Gun Cleaning Kit, Nylon Brushes…

While not a solvent itself, this kit is an indispensable companion for anyone cleaning specialized painting equipment, like airbrushes or spray guns, where precision cleaning with solvents is crucial. I found that having the right tools makes a world of difference when dealing with intricate parts. The variety of flexible nylon brushes and fine wires in this kit allows you to reach into tiny nozzles and crevices that traditional brush cleaning can’t. It truly helps you make the most of your chosen solvent for cleaning paint brushes by ensuring every nook and cranny is spotless.

Key features that stand out:
– Comprehensive 17-piece kit for various cleaning needs.
– Flexible nylon brushes and fine wires for detailed cleaning.
– Works with any thinners or solvents for effective residue removal.
– Ideal for spray guns, airbrushes, and tattoo equipment.

Pros:
– Essential for thorough cleaning of specialized painting tools.
– Improves painting results by keeping equipment pristine.
– Durable tools designed to access hard-to-reach areas.
Cons:
– It’s a set of tools, not a cleaning agent, so you’ll need to supply your own solvent.

Best for: Artists and hobbyists who use spray guns, airbrushes, or other intricate painting equipment alongside their standard brushes.

Expert Opinion: For specialized equipment, the right tools are as important as the solvent; this kit ensures no paint residue is left behind, which is critical for smooth operation and longevity.

Fuumuui 100% Vegan Paint Brush Cleaner Soap, Solvent Free…

I’m always on the lookout for eco-friendly and gentle options, and this Fuumuui brush cleaner soap truly impressed me. It’s a 100% vegan, solvent-free soap that works wonders on oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints. The formula contains natural vegetable glycerin, which not only cleans effectively but also conditions the bristles, leaving them soft and supple. It’s incredibly easy to use – just wet your brush, swirl it on the soap, and rinse. Plus, its compact size makes it super portable for art classes or outdoor sketching.

Key features that stand out:
– 100% vegan and solvent-free formula.
– Effectively cleans oils, acrylics, and watercolors.
– Contains natural vegetable glycerin to condition bristles.
– Portable, travel-friendly compact size.

Pros:
– Gentle on brushes and hands, non-toxic.
– Conditions bristles, extending brush life.
– Environmentally friendly option.
Cons:
– May require more effort for heavily dried-on oil paints compared to stronger solvents.

Best for: Artists looking for a gentle, non-toxic, and eco-friendly daily cleaner for all paint types, especially those who prefer to avoid harsh chemicals.

Expert Opinion: This soap is a fantastic everyday solution, especially for maintaining natural hair brushes and for artists sensitive to chemical fumes; it cleans thoroughly while preserving brush integrity.

Lisle 14000 Parts Cleaning Brush

Sometimes, the simplest tools are the most effective. This Lisle parts cleaning brush, while seemingly basic, proved incredibly useful for manual scrubbing. When I’m working with a sturdy solvent for cleaning paint brushes and need to really work stubborn paint out of a ferrule or a thick brush, this brush is perfect. It’s designed for industrial parts, so it’s robust, meaning it can handle vigorous cleaning without falling apart. It’s excellent for applying solvents and giving brushes a good scrub before a final rinse.

Key features that stand out:
– Robust design for heavy-duty scrubbing.
– Universal fit for various cleaning tasks.
– Durable construction, likely to last through many cleaning sessions.

Pros:
– Excellent for manual scrubbing of tough paint residue.
– Durable and resilient, stands up to strong solvents.
– Versatile for various cleaning applications beyond just brushes.
Cons:
– It’s a basic utility brush, not designed specifically for delicate art brushes.

Best for: Artists needing an extra scrubbing tool to work in solvents, especially for larger, stiffer brushes or when dealing with heavily dried paint.

Expert Opinion: A sturdy utility brush like this is invaluable for applying and working solvents into heavily soiled brushes or cleaning palettes and tools; it’s the elbow grease complement to any liquid cleaner.

PHOENIX Painting Diluent – 16.9 Fl Oz./ 500ml Oil Brush…

For oil painters, a good diluent is a lifeline, and the PHOENIX Painting Diluent is a solid choice. What I really appreciated is that it’s made from hydrotreated petroleum distillates, offering a safer, low-odor alternative to traditional turpentine. It not only thins oil paints beautifully, maintaining pigment integrity, but also doubles as an effective and gentler brush cleaner for oil paint residue. It’s less harsh than turpentine, which is great for preserving both natural and synthetic bristles, making it a strong contender for the title of best solvent for cleaning paint brushes for oil work.

Key features that stand out:
– Low-odor hydrotreated petroleum distillates (safer than turpentine).
– Effectively thins oil paints without compromising color.
– Gentle but effective brush cleaner for oil paints.
– Conforms to ASTM D4236 (non-toxic with proper ventilation).

Pros:
– Significantly lower odor than turpentine, safer for indoor use.
– Dual-purpose for thinning paints and cleaning brushes.
– Protects brush bristles better than harsher solvents.
Cons:
– Primarily designed for oil paints, not ideal for acrylics or watercolors.

Best for: Oil painters seeking a low-odor, less harsh diluent that also performs excellently as a brush cleaner.

Expert Opinion: This diluent is a smart choice for oil artists prioritizing health and brush longevity; it offers excellent performance in thinning and cleaning without the aggressive fumes of traditional solvents.

US Art Supply Deluxe Brush Cleaner-Brush Washer with Wash…

Similar in concept to the Cugebanna washer but with its own unique features, this US Art Supply Deluxe Brush Washer is a game-changer for keeping brushes pristine. The stainless steel spiral holder is a clever design, suspending brush tips to prevent bristles from bending or deforming as they soak or dry. It also has a removable sediment grate that allows pigment to settle away from the brushes, keeping your cleaning solution cleaner for longer. This feature is fantastic because it means you’re not just re-coating your brushes in old pigment.

Key features that stand out:
– Stainless steel spiral holder prevents bristle deformation.
– Removable sediment grate separates pigment from cleaning solution.
– Made of rust-proof stainless steel.
– Keeps brushes hanging freely to dry or soak.

Pros:
– Protects delicate brush shapes and bristles.
– Extends the life of your cleaning solution.
– Durable and resistant to rust.
Cons:
– Might be a bit bulky for very small studio spaces.

Best for: Artists who want to meticulously care for their valuable brushes, especially those with delicate shapes, and optimize their cleaning solution usage.

Expert Opinion: The suspended brush design of this washer is key to preventing long-term bristle damage, making it a top contender for those seeking the ultimate brush protection while cleaning with solvents.

U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer, 16 Ounce…

When you’re facing brushes hardened with dried-on paint, you need a heavy-hitter, and this U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer delivers. I was genuinely impressed by its ability to tackle even fully dried acrylic, oil, gouache, and water-based paints. This isn’t just a cleaner; it’s a restorer, meaning it can bring seemingly lost brushes back to life. It’s also fantastic for cleaning airbrushes and other tools. Following the directions for soaking makes a huge difference, often preventing the need to toss out otherwise good brushes.

Key features that stand out:
– Highly effective on dried-on acrylic, oil, gouache, inks, and water-based paints.
– Restores stiff, hardened brushes to usable condition.
– Excellent for cleaning airbrushes and other artist tools.
– Extends the lifespan of art supplies.

Pros:
– Saves brushes that would otherwise be thrown away.
– Versatile for multiple paint types and tools.
– Strong cleaning power for stubborn residues.
Cons:
– Requires soaking time for best results, sometimes up to 24 hours.

Best for: Artists dealing with stubborn, dried-on paint on brushes and tools, or those who need a powerful restorer to salvage neglected art supplies.

Expert Opinion: This cleaner is an absolute lifesaver for neglected brushes; it demonstrates that even seemingly ruined tools can be brought back from the brink, significantly reducing waste for artists.

Helpful Comparison Short Insights

When choosing the best solvent for cleaning paint brushes, it’s clear there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. For daily, gentle cleaning, the Fuumuui 100% Vegan Paint Brush Cleaner Soap stands out as a safe, eco-friendly option that conditions bristles. However, for oil painters seeking a low-odor solution, the PHOENIX Painting Diluent is a superior choice, offering both thinning and gentle cleaning properties.

For those tackling heavily dried-on messes, the U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer is an indispensable heavy-duty solution that can genuinely revive neglected brushes. If you’re using more volatile solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits, a good washer is crucial. Both the CUGEBANNA Paint Brush Washer and the US Art Supply Deluxe Brush Cleaner-Brush Washer offer excellent ways to conserve solvent and protect brushes, with Cugebanna excelling in airtight storage and the US Art Supply washer in suspended drying. And let’s not forget the crucial role of physical tools like the Lisle 14000 Parts Cleaning Brush for manual scrubbing or the 17pcs Multi-Purpose Spray Gun Cleaning Kit for specialized equipment, which effectively complement any liquid cleaner.

Final Verdict

After thoroughly testing these options, my top pick for the best all-around cleaning solution for varied paint types and situations goes to a combination approach. For everyday cleaning and brush conditioning, the Fuumuui 100% Vegan Paint Brush Cleaner Soap is unparalleled for its gentleness and effectiveness. However, when faced with stubborn, dried-on paint, the U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer is the absolute hero, capable of bringing brushes back from the brink.

For artists primarily using oil paints, the PHOENIX Painting Diluent is the clear winner for its low odor and dual functionality. And to truly optimize your cleaning process and extend brush life, I highly recommend investing in a quality brush washer. The US Art Supply Deluxe Brush Cleaner-Brush Washer takes the edge for its innovative spiral holder and sediment grate, offering superior brush protection and solution longevity. Ultimately, the “best” choice really depends on your specific painting medium, cleaning frequency, and the condition of your brushes, but these products cover a fantastic range of needs.

Comprehensive FAQ Section

Q1: What is the best solvent for cleaning paint brushes for acrylic paint?
A: For wet acrylics, warm water and mild soap (like the Fuumuui Vegan Soap) often suffice. For dried acrylics, a specialized cleaner like the U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer is highly effective, designed to break down dried acrylic.

Q2: Can I use mineral spirits as a solvent for cleaning paint brushes?
A: Yes, mineral spirits are a common and effective solvent for cleaning oil paint from brushes. Products like the PHOENIX Painting Diluent are refined versions of petroleum distillates (similar to mineral spirits) but with lower odor, offering a safer alternative.

Q3: How do I clean brushes with dried oil paint using a solvent for cleaning paint brushes?
A: For dried oil paint, you’ll need a stronger solvent or restorer. Soak the brush in a product like the U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer for several hours or even overnight. Once softened, use a stiff brush (like the Lisle 14000) or your fingers to work out the paint, then wash with mild soap and water.

Q4: Are there non-toxic options for cleaning paint brushes without harsh solvents?
A: Absolutely! The Fuumuui 100% Vegan Paint Brush Cleaner Soap is an excellent solvent-free, non-toxic option that effectively cleans and conditions brushes. Water-soluble mediums like watercolors and some acrylics can often be cleaned thoroughly with just water and mild soap.

Q5: How often should I clean my paint brushes with a dedicated solvent or cleaner?
A: Ideally, you should clean your brushes immediately after each painting session to prevent paint from drying in the bristles. For daily use, a gentle soap is great. If you use oil paints or have stubborn residue, using a dedicated solvent for cleaning paint brushes after each session will prevent build-up and extend brush life.

Q6: What’s the benefit of using a brush washer when cleaning with a solvent for cleaning paint brushes?
A: Brush washers like the CUGEBANNA or US Art Supply Deluxe models offer several benefits: they conserve expensive solvents by separating pigment, prevent fumes with airtight lids, protect brush bristles from bending with special holders, and generally make the cleaning process more organized and efficient.

Q7: Can a solvent for cleaning paint brushes also restore old, stiff brushes?
A: Yes, powerful cleaners like the U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer are specifically designed to penetrate and dissolve hardened, dried paint, effectively restoring stiff brushes to a usable condition, often saving them from being discarded.

Q8: Is turpentine better than mineral spirits as a solvent for cleaning paint brushes?
A: Both turpentine and mineral spirits are effective for cleaning oil paints. Turpentine is a natural solvent with a strong odor and can be quite harsh on brushes and respiratory systems. Mineral spirits (or refined versions like PHOENIX Painting Diluent) are petroleum-based, generally have a lower odor, and are often considered gentler on brushes and safer for indoor use with proper ventilation.