"The Masters" Brush Cleaner and Preserver

[Tom Edgerton]

Chris--

I worked out my own mixture of Turpenoid Natural and Dawn dishwashing liquid, a 50/50 mix, that's a great end-of-day brush cleaner, and it doesn't cost much--a lot cheaper than commercial artists' soaps. If the paint's a little stiff or hard, I just wet them down and let them soak a while. Works great, and rinses out of the brush well.

Sometimes I put just a spot of mineral spirit in the same mixture to give it a little cutting power, but I'm not as worried about solvents as some folks.

BTW, if you're worried about skin contact, the cheap vinyl gloves hairdressers use are good. Eliminates problems for those sensitive to latex, and they're thin enough that you can still feel what you're doing.

[Mary Reilly]

I use it everytime I paint and love it.

One time I got interrupted while painting and had globs of paint on 3 brushes. The interruption was such that I didn't get back to my easel, and the next day these 3 brushes were hard as a rock! The Masters brush cleaner cleaned them like new - I couldn't believe it!

Mary

[Michele Rushworth]

Anyone out there using "Ugly Dog" brush soap? I've used The Masters' and liked it but I was wondering how it compares. I also wonder if either of these is worth the expense. My brushes seem to get just as clean with the liquid hand soap I used to use.

[Michele Rushworth]

Chris, do you have contact information for them? I wasn't aware they had already started offering classes. I sent an e-mail via a contact on Nelson Shanks' website and I haven't heard anything back.

Thanks!

[Michele Rushworth]

Here's a phone number for them: 215-592-7910. I hope to take a workshop there in 2004.

[Andrea Evans]

Hi, y'all,

Is anyone else using "The Masters" Brush Cleaner and Preserver? Do you know of any problems with this product?

I have been using this product to clean my natural and synthetic brushes for years. It softens and cleans hardened oil paint and acrylic paint from brushes. At the end of each painting session, it is very convenient and quick to use, has no odor, and will not spill because it is cake-like inside its container.

The package does not state what the ingredients are and whether or not they are toxic. I used to buy this brush cleaner in the crafts department at our local Wal-Mart for less than $4.00, but now I have to buy it at an art supply store for a little more than $7.00. This 2-1/2 ounce size lasts me for a few months.

If anyone knows about this product, please let us know.

Andrea

[William Whitaker]

Chris,

I went through a phase (I'm always going through phases) when I did away with solvents.

After trying various oils, I settled on WALNUT OIL that I purchased in a health food store. It worked just fine and is, in addition, a respectable traditional drying oil.

Bill

[Mike McCarty]

Chris,

How about giving us some insight regarding your week at Incaminati. (Maybe another thread)

The application (selection) process, how many students in your class, did you spend much time with N. S.? Do they now have the dormitories? What did your day consist of? What else ...?

[Timothy C. Tyler]

I have both. The Master's seems to have a bit of grit (pumice?) and the Ugly Dog doesn't. I can't help but think anything with grit might be wearing down my brushes a little every time I use it.

As far as cancer and artists goes - artists still have a very long life expectancy. Think about Monet, DaVinci, Heroz; 100 years old, Parrish; 94?, Renoir, etc., etc. These guys used far more dangerous stuff than most of us. Cancer also strikes many people who never paint. Take care.

[Timothy C. Tyler]

I'm trying to take very good care of my brushes. I have lost too many through lazy or bad behavior in the past. When I clean mine with say, OMS - then use oil soap more color comes off the brush - thus I figure this a good procedure. Furthermore, beware that any "cleaner" you leave on your brush will end up in your painting the next day.