How to Make a Turps Jar (Brush Cleaner) for Oil Painting
There are plenty of paintbrush cleaning aids readily available online and in art supply stores but if you intend to save on both time and money in the long run, it’s best to make your own in a matter of minutes. I like to make my own thrifty version of the Winsor & Newton Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank (pictured below).
You will need:
an empty glass jar
strong malleable wire
wire cutters
pliers
turpentine
To begin with, you will need to find an empty glass jar of your preferred size — salsa jars are ideal for small paintings, pickle jars for larger paintings. Wash the jar thoroughly, removing any labels if you wish to. The easiest way to remove the labels is to scrub them with washing up liquid on a metal scourer, under hot water.
For the second step, make a spiral coil from the wire (pictured above), ensuring it is wide enough to sit in the base of your glass jar (pictured below). I used aluminium copper wire from a floral store on ebay but any type of thick malleable wire will do the job. The wire coil will keep all of the residual oil paint contained at the bottom of the jar — so you’re not stirring up old paint every time you clean your paintbrushes.
For the final final step, place your spiral coil in the bottom of the glass jar and pour a sufficient amount of turpentine, paint thinner, or mineral spirits (whichever solvent you prefer) to immerse the entire coil.
Now you’re good to go! Don’t forget to screw the lid back on and clean your brushes after every painting session. Also keep the turps jar out of reach from children and pets.
Top Tips:
When your turps become spoiled, to save time cleaning the jar and replenishing solvent, I’ve found it’s best to dispose of the entire jar and start afresh.
It’s important to clean your brushes immediately after you finish painting, even when you’re tempted to let them sit for a day or two. Letting them sit in paint thinner isn’t a good alternative either; it will only weaken the glue holding the bristles in place.
If your brushes have become stiff with paint, The Master’s Brush Cleaner and Preserver will resuscitate the life of any neglected paintbrush. Cheaper alternatives are Murphy’s Oil Soap or simply, cheap baby shampoo.
To learn more about oil painting materials and equipment read What You Need to Start Oil Painting.
For further oil painting blogs visit www.rhymesandoils.com and connect with me on social media @rhymesandoils
