Properly cleaning your brushes immediately after using Fusion™ Mineral Paint is essential for maintaining their quality and lifespan. While the specific process can vary slightly depending on the type of cleaner used, the core principle is to remove all paint residue before it dries.
Fusion Mineral Paint offers products designed to assist with brush care. For example, as highlighted in a video demonstrating the care of wax brushes (see reference), Fusion provides an "incredible brush cleaner" which is recommended for maintaining your tools, including those used with their waxes. This suggests that a dedicated brush cleaner is a valuable tool for caring for all your Fusion paint and wax brushes.
Here's a general guide on how to clean your brushes after using Fusion paint:
- Act Quickly: Do not let the paint dry on your brush. Clean it immediately after you finish painting.
- Initial Rinse: Start by rinsing the brush thoroughly under running water. Use cool or lukewarm water, not hot, as hot water can sometimes set the paint into the bristles.
- Apply Cleaner:
- If using a dedicated brush cleaner like the one mentioned by Fusion, follow the product instructions. Typically, this involves working the cleaner into the bristles.
- Alternatively, you can use mild soap (like saddle soap, brush soap, or even gentle dish soap). Work the soap into a lather within the bristles, ensuring it reaches the base where paint can accumulate.
- Work Out the Paint: Gently massage and swish the brush bristles to work the paint out. You may need to do this several times, rinsing and repeating with the cleaner or soap until the water runs clear and no paint residue remains.
- Final Rinse: Rinse the brush thoroughly under clean water to remove all traces of soap or cleaner.
- Reshape: Gently squeeze excess water from the bristles and reshape the brush head to its original form.
- Dry: Allow the brush to dry completely. Lay it flat or hang it upside down to prevent water from seeping into the ferrule (the metal part), which can loosen the handle over time. Avoid standing the brush upright on its bristles while wet.
Using a quality brush cleaner, like the one mentioned in the context of caring for Fusion brushes, can help break down paint pigments effectively and condition the bristles, ensuring your brushes remain soft and functional for future projects.
Key Takeaways for Cleaning Fusion Paint Brushes:
- Clean immediately after use.
- Use a dedicated brush cleaner (like Fusion's) or mild soap and water.
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
- Reshape and dry properly.
