Brush Cleaners (Artist)
Art materials are inherently hazardous. Even the least harmful products may have some amount of hazardous ingredients. Try reducing your exposure by using personal protective equipment, ventilating your space and only buying what you need.
The following product reviews have been requested by program partners. To know which of your existing products are safer to use, please review their Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to see if they have the same ingredients as the products listed here.
Required
Suggested
Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner and Restorer Manufacturer(s)
Winsor & Newton Vendor(s)
Dick Blick Art Materials, FLAX Art & Design When to Use
Use in a well ventilated space. Wear nitrile gloves, a N95 mask and protective goggles. Product/Service Type
Consumer |
The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver Manufacturer(s)
General Pencil Company Vendor(s)
Dick Blick Art Materials, FLAX Art & Design When to Use
Swirl wet brush in circular motion in the tub till well coated. Rub on a non reactive surface with water to remove all product. Do not rub on your palm/hand. Swirl damp brush in circular motion in the tub till lightly coated. Then point your brush bristles and let dry. Do not point bristles with your lips. Product/Service Type
Consumer |
The Masters Artist Soap Manufacturer(s)
General Pencil Company Vendor(s)
Dick Blick Art Materials, FLAX Art & Design When to Use
Use for hands, brushes, palettes, knives and surfaces that need cleaning. Product/Service Type
Consumer |
Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank Manufacturer(s)
The Lion Company, Inc Vendor(s)
Dick Blick Art Materials, FLAX Art & Design When to Use
Pour a small amount of solvent in jar - use linseed or walnut oil (for oil paints) and water/water and soap (for acrylics, water soluble oils and watercolors). Gently rub brush against the metal coil submerged in solvent to dislodge any product. Follow with brush cleaner or soap if needed. Wipe clean brush on rag. Close jar with lid. Product/Service Type
Consumer |
Mona Lisa Pink soap Manufacturer(s)
Speedball Vendor(s)
Dick Blick Art Materials, FLAX Art & Design When to Use
Use nitrile gloves if you experience dry or irritated skin Product/Service Type
Consumer |
Mona Lisa Artist Brush Cleaning Tank Manufacturer(s)
Speedball When to Use
Pour a small amount of solvent in jar - use linseed or walnut oil (for oil paints) and water/water and soap (for acrylics, water soluble oils and watercolors). Gently rub brush against the metal mesh submerged in solvent to dislodge any product. Follow with brush cleaner or soap if needed. Wipe clean brush on rag. Close jar with lid. Product/Service Type
Consumer |
Jack Richeson's Linseed Studio Soap Manufacturer(s)
Tri-Art Vendor(s)
Dick Blick Art Materials, FLAX Art & Design Product/Service Type
Consumer |
Bristle Magic Artist Brush Cleaner Manufacturer(s)
Bristle Magic Vendor(s)
Dick Blick Art Materials, FLAX Art & Design Product/Service Type
Consumer |
Limited
Prohibited
Info on this product category: Brush Cleaners (Artist)
Why Go Green
Many art products contain hazardous ingredients that are harmful to your health and the health of the environment. There are safer alternatives available for most categories of art materials. In case, safer alternatives cannot be used, use the recommended personal protective equipment and ventilation.
Tips
You don't need harsh solvents to clean brushes. Most brushes can be cleaned with soap and water. Use these products to keep your brush clean during painting and between uses.
Criteria for Brush Cleaners (Artist)
Criteria for Suggested products:
Products should not contain carcinogens, asthmagens, mutagens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxins and reproductive toxicants.
Last updated
Reports
The Safer Art Products & Practices factsheet helps artists make safer decisions when it comes to purchasing, using and disposing art materials.
Guide for Small Businesses & Homes
Many art products contain hazardous material that should not end up in the trash, recycling or composting bins or be poured down the drain.
Professionals: Call Recology SF's Very Small Quantity Generator Program at (415) 330-1425 to dispose of all art waste.
Hobby Artists: Call (415) 330-1405
Empty clean containers can be recycled in the Recycling bin.
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