What did Bob Ross use to clean brushes (Bob Ross & safe technique)
Shojib Hoq
Dec 27, 2022
In the “Joy of Painting” he mentions and uses Bob Ross brand odorless paint thinner. However, the tinner is not completely odorless. I can say it is odor compatible.
In this article, I will explain
- How Bob Ross clean his brush during the painting
- Same safest method to clean the brush during the painting
- How to clean brushes after finishing painting and make the brushes long-lasting.
- And maybe share some important tips and tricks 😉.
In other articles, I already explained:
How does Bob Ross clean his brushes? (During painting)
Step 1: First, soak up his paintbrush in a thinner bucket.
Step 2: Then he shakes it
Step 3: Finally, bite the brush on the easel to remove the paint.
Bob Ross says it is a funny technique for him. Yeah, it looks funny, but not healthy practice at all. I recommend you not apply the method directly. We can modify it some.
Sometimes I doubt this technique will not completely remove the paint from the brushes. However, Bob Ross claimed it🙂.
Bob Ross odorless paint thinner and some alternatives for brush cleaning
| Grade | Note | |
| Bob Ross ODORLESS THINNR | Artistic grade & Bob Ross brand | Bob Ross recommended product |
| Gamblin Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits Bottle | Artistic grade | Best alternative and premium product, odorless tinner. Safe thinner |
| Speedball Art Products Mona Lisa Odorless Thinner | Good cheap alternative | |
| Speedball Pink Soap Brush Cleaner | Artistic | None thinner brush cleaning method. |
| Master brush cleaner soap | Artistic | Popular material for clean brush |
What are safe techniques for cleaning brushes?
We can apply some good methods that can be safe for us.
Paint thinner – Bob Ross technique modification (during painting)
Step 1: Put odorless paint thinner or turpentine in a small bucket. If you have a budget, a Bob Ross brand cleaning bucket is already available. Try to use gloves, and it is good practice.
Step 2: Paint thinner will loosen the paint.
Step 3: Take a dry rag or paper towel, and clean the brush. That’s it.
Is the Bob Ross bucket worth the purchase to clean the brushes?
| Grade | Note | |
| Bob Ross Cleaning Bucket & Screen | Artistic grade & Bob Ross brand | Unique product in the market |
Bob Ross buckets come with a bucket and a screen. For cleaning, you should put the paint thinner in the bucket and the bucket screen helps to clean the brush. I found some important pros and cons about the bucket.
Pros
- Ability to clean while painting and after painting.
- Effective cleaning screen.
- It has a handle and cap.
- Easily fit with Bob Ross’s painting easel.
Cons
- It does not make for thinner storage. You have to store thinner in an air seal tin cans.
- If you store thinner for a long time in the bucket, it will be unusable.
The bucket is manufactured for brush cleaning and does a great job of this. So, of course, it is worth it for brush cleaning.
Let’s make the brush cleaning technique safer – without solvent (during painting)
Step 1: Take a small amount of linseed oil or painting medium on the brush.
Step 2: Take a dry rug or paper, then wipe the paint from the brush.
You can clean the brush with a pink soap brush cleaner and water combination.
How to clean the brush when finished painting? And make the brush long-lasting.
Now you can apply a lot of options for cleaning brushes. However, I recommend solvent-free options.
You should apply the solvent-free option, which I explained before. And then…
Step 1: Use soap, especially Master brush cleaner soap. This soap is specially built for cleaning and restoring artistic brushes. Or you also can apply a good conditioner. It also helps to keep a quality long time.
Step 2: Wash the brush properly.
Step 3: Then give it time to dry.
Can I use baby oil to clean the brush?
Boby oil drying time is very slow. And after wiping it, it will not be properly dry for painting. So during painting, baby oil uses not recommended.
Can I use safflower oil for brush cleaning?
Safflower oil can be a good option for clean paint during painting. Just wipe the brush with clothes and apply the painting. In the same way, you can apply walnut oil.