How to Clean Paint Brushes With TSP

Materials Needed:

1. TSP (trisodium phosphate) powder or TSP cleaner

2. Warm water

3. Safety goggles

4. Rubber gloves

5. Bucket

6. Paintbrushes

7. Dish soap

8. Clean cloth

Instructions:

1. Prepare the TSP Solution:

- Put on safety goggles and rubber gloves to protect yourself.

- Follow the instructions on the TSP packaging to prepare a TSP solution. If using TSP powder, mix 1 tablespoon of TSP powder into 1 gallon of warm water. Stir until the TSP is fully dissolved.

2. Soak the Paintbrushes:

- Immerse the paintbrushes in the TSP solution. Make sure the bristles are fully submerged.

3. Let It Soak:

- Allow the paintbrushes to soak for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for heavily caked-on paint.

4. Swirl the Brushes:

- After soaking, gently swirl the paintbrushes in the TSP solution to loosen any remaining paint or grime.

5. Rinse:

- Rinse the paintbrushes thoroughly under warm running water to remove the TSP solution.

6. Wash with Dish Soap:

- Add a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of warm water.

- Gently wash the bristles of the paintbrushes in the soapy water to remove any residual TSP.

7. Rinse Again:

- Rinse the paintbrushes again under warm running water to remove all traces of soap.

8. Blot Dry:

- Gently pat the paintbrushes with a clean cloth to remove excess water.

9. Reshape the Bristles:

- With clean fingers, carefully reshape the bristles of the paintbrushes back to their original form.

10. Air-Dry:

- Hang the paintbrushes upside down to air dry. Make sure they are completely dry before using them again.

Additional Tips:

- Avoid using TSP on brushes with natural hair bristles, as it may damage them.

- Clean paintbrushes as soon as possible after use to prevent the paint from hardening and becoming difficult to remove.

- Old, caked-on paint may require multiple rounds of cleaning with TSP and dish soap.

- If the paintbrushes have dried after soaking in the TSP solution, soak them again before washing with dish soap.

- TSP is a caustic chemical, so always follow the safety instructions and use it in a well-ventilated area.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your paint brushes with TSP and keep them in good condition for your next painting project.