Brush cleaners are essential tools for miniature painters and scale modellers who want to keep their brushes in good condition. In this category at Scenery Workshop you will find a variety of products designed to clean, restore and maintain painting brushes, including brush soaps, liquid cleaners and specialised products for airbrush or stubborn paint residues.
These products help remove paint from brush bristles and prevent acrylic paint, oil paint or varnish from building up in the ferrule or between the hairs. Proper cleaning extends the lifespan of your brushes and helps maintain a sharp painting tip.
What are brush cleaners?
Brush cleaners are specialised products designed to remove paint and pigment residue from paint brushes. They are commonly used by miniature painters, scale modellers and artists who want to maintain their brushes properly.
Within this category you will find different types of cleaning products such as brush soap, liquid brush cleaners and specialised cleaners for airbrush paint or stubborn paint residues. Some cleaners not only remove paint but also condition the bristles to keep them flexible.
Many brush cleaners can remove acrylic, oil and water-based paints and prevent paint from building up near the ferrule of the brush. This helps brushes maintain their shape and stay usable for longer.
Why hobbyists use brush cleaners
For miniature painters and scale modellers, brushes are essential tools. Without proper maintenance, brush hairs can quickly become stiff or lose their shape. Brush cleaners help prevent this.
- Removes acrylic, oil paint and pigment residues
- Prevents paint from drying inside the bristles
- Helps maintain the brush tip
- Suitable for natural and synthetic brushes
- Extends the lifespan of brushes
Many hobbyists clean their brushes after every painting session. This is especially important for high-quality brushes such as Kolinsky sable brushes.
How to use brush cleaners for miniatures or scale models
Cleaning a brush is simple but essential for proper maintenance. After painting, the brush is first rinsed in water to remove most of the paint. A brush cleaner can then be used to remove remaining paint trapped in the bristles.
With brush soap, gently swirl the wet brush over the soap until foam appears. Carefully work the soap through the bristles to release paint. Afterwards rinse the brush with water and reshape the tip.
For stubborn paint or dried paint residues, stronger brush restorers or specialised cleaners can help restore the flexibility of the bristles.
What to consider when choosing a brush cleaner
Different cleaners are designed for different purposes, so it helps to choose the right type depending on how you paint.
- Brush soap – for everyday brush maintenance
- Brush cleaner – for removing paint residues
- Brush restorer – for restoring hardened brushes
- Airbrush cleaner – for cleaning airbrush paint and tools
- Specialised cleaners – for acrylic, enamel or oil paints
At Scenery Workshop you can find several brush cleaners from brands such as The Masters, Vallejo, AK Interactive and Revell designed for miniature painting and scale modelling.
Frequently asked questions about brush cleaners
Why is brush cleaning important?
Regular cleaning prevents paint from building up inside the bristles and helps brushes maintain their shape and performance.
Can brush cleaners be used on Kolinsky brushes?
Yes. Most brush cleaners are safe for both synthetic and natural hair brushes such as Kolinsky sable.
How often should you clean a brush?
It is recommended to clean brushes after every painting session to prevent paint buildup and damage to the bristles.
At Scenery Workshop you can find a range of brush cleaners that help keep your brushes clean and in excellent condition for miniature painting and scale modelling.
