brushes

[flart1943]

I use both oil and acrylic paints therefore I have two sets of paint brushes. I was wondering if it is ok to use the same brushes for both types of paint, this would cut my brush bill in half. Has anyone tried this,
if so did the brushes stand up to the treatment?

 

[Colin_Fraser]

I use both oil and acrylic paints therefore I have two sets of paint brushes. I was wondering if it is ok to use the same brushes for both types of paint, this would cut my brush bill in half. Has anyone tried this,
if so did the brushes stand up to the treatment?

I used to use the same brushes for both. I stopped and have separate brushes for each medium. While I can't prove it, I think my brushes last longer and retain point better now.

Colin

 

[kagemusha]

Speaking from purely personal experience....the only brushes that suffer from using mixed mediums, are fine detail sizes, 1 and below....
I have found that wear has a lot more to do with how they are cleaned....unless you are trying to use 'points' for too large an area.

Ron

 

[Ferris]

I'd say that if you clean them properly after each session, it doesn't really matter if you use oils or acrylics. I mainly use acrylics however, and only occasionally oils for some details. Used the same Series 7 brushes, with no problem so far.
I use a very nice vegetable oil-based brush cleaner. When cleaning oils, I first clean in turpentine, then in the brush oil.

Cheers
Adrian

 

[tonydawe]

I agree with Adrian. If the brush is well cleaned after each use, the paint medium you use shouldn't matter that much.

 

[Blind Pew]

I've found that on top of the usual clean I do the following. I have some paint & varnish remover from a Wilkinson's shop - their own make. I let my brushes wallow in it for half an hour every fortnight or so. You wouldn't believe the crap that comes out, even from apparently 'clean' brushes. The stuff is about a fiver and with normal use should last a lifetime.

 

[flart1943]

Thanks for the advice guys. it seems that cleaning the brushes well after use is the most important thing to do. I will give it a try and see how it goes.
Pete

 

[RFL]

I`ve found the single best brush preserver is this simple and cheap holder which suspends the brush in water and or solvent ( acrylic or oils ) between actual use. It keeps the paints from drying inside the hair and most important, under the ferule which spray out the hair killing the point. When done , a cleaning with a gentle soap type cleaner like B & J Masters and then forming a point.

P.S. Like crf I believe separate brushes for oils/acrylic are the way to go.

 

[flart1943]

Hi RFL
Some good advice here, I will keep it in mind, thanks.
Pete

 

[chippy]

I'm in the two brush group when it comes to really fine brushes . I save my best sable brushes for oils only and I really like Citadel fine detailed brushes for acrylics . I find this way both hold their points much longer . I don't mind mixing bigger brush for slapping on paint (a 4 inch wall brush covers a 2 inch figure in seconds ) .
My reasons are, I think the constant wiping of the brush when using acrylics damages sable hairs and the thinners for cleaning oils damages synthetic hair brushes making the ends curl pretty quickly . Never the twain shall meet in my brush pot .
chippy

 

[flart1943]

Hi chippy
I think you are right fine detail brushes are best kept apart others don't matter as much. Thanks.
Pete