Going Green: Cleaning your Brushes without Turpenoid

Oil paints themselves are toxic, and adding turpenoid can get intense. I feel that trying to eliminate painting chemicals that are harmful to both myself and the environment is important. When I first eliminated turpenoid it was an adjustment, especially since I loved using turpenoid as a medium. However, the trade off has been worth it.

I first read about painting solvent free here:

Free your studio of dangerous solvents by using walnut oil in place of turpentine or odorless mineral spirits when cleaning brushes.  Walnut oil removes color from the artist’s brush or tool as effectively as odorless paint thinners, without creating a solvent hazard.  Walnut oil is a natural vegetable oil that neither evaporates nor removes essential oils.  The addition of walnut oil to color will increase flow and slow the drying. 

Needed Items:

Just like with turpenoid you will need the following items: cleaning oil, two cleaning jars, and cleaning soap.

Cleaning Oil: 

Any oil medium will work fine, just make sure that it is 100% oil. I would avoid Stand Oil, but linseed or walnut oil will work perfectly. I personally use M Graham Walnut Oil.

Steps to Cleaning without Turpenoid: 

Step 1: When finished painting, remove excess paint off of the brush using a rag or paper towel. 

Step 2: Using your cleaning oil, clean as much paint as possible off the brush by scrubbing it into your cleaning jar.

Step 3: In the sink, clean the rest of the paint off your brush using soap.

Note: I use Master's Hand Soap, to read about different soap options read here. 

Step 4: Allow brushes to dry upright in a holding jar. This will insure that the bristles maintain their shape for as long as possible.

Perks to Cleaning Solvent Free: 

1. You don't have to breathe in fumes.
2. Your brushes will not dry out.
3. Your brushes will last longer by being conditioned while being cleaned.

You can read different ways to clean without solvents here and here. For more about painting check out my main Tips and Techniques page.