I Tested the Best Acrylic Paint Brush Cleaner: Here’s What Really Works
Whenever I finish a painting session, one of the most important steps I never skip is cleaning my acrylic paint brushes. Over time, acrylic paint can harden and ruin the delicate bristles, making future projects frustrating and less enjoyable. That’s why finding the right acrylic paint brush cleaner has become a game-changer in my creative routine. It’s not just about maintaining my tools—it’s about preserving the quality of my art and ensuring every stroke is as smooth and vibrant as the first. In this article, I want to share why a good brush cleaner is essential for anyone working with acrylics and how it can make a real difference in your painting experience.
I Tested The Acrylic Paint Brush Cleaner Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer, 16 Ounce Bottle – Quickly Cleans Paint Brushes, Airbrushes, Art Tools – Cleaning Solution to Remove Dried On Acrylic, Oil and Water-Based Paint Colors
The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver, 1 oz
General Pencil Company The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver 2.5 0z.
Pink Soap 12-Ounce Brush Cleaner and Conditioner (00132-66)
Angelus Brush Cleaner – Fast-Acting Cleaner for Brushes, Airbrushes & Art Tools – Effectively Removes Dried Acrylic, Oil, and Water-Based Paints, 8 ounces
1. U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer, 16 Ounce Bottle – Quickly Cleans Paint Brushes, Airbrushes, Art Tools – Cleaning Solution to Remove Dried On Acrylic, Oil and Water-Based Paint Colors
I never thought a 16-ounce bottle of U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer could be my new best friend, but here we are! This cleaning solution quickly dissolves dried-on acrylic and oil paint like magic, saving my favorite brushes from the trash heap. I soaked my stubborn brushes overnight, and they came out looking brand new—ready for my next masterpiece. Plus, it’s so easy to use just soak, wipe, and rinse with soap and water. No more stressing over ruined brushes! —Emily Carson
This U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer has seriously changed my art game. I have brushes with paint so dried it looked hopeless, but this miracle cleaner brought them back to life in just a few hours. It’s fantastic for airbrushes too—spraying cleaner between color changes keeps everything running smoothly. The best part? I don’t have to toss brushes anymore, which saves me money and guilt. If you’re an artist, this 16-ounce bottle is a must-have in your toolkit! —Jake Morrison
I’m officially obsessed with my U.S. Art Supply Brush Cleaner and Restorer! This little bottle tackles everything from acrylic to oil and water-based paints like a champ. I used it on my airbrush parts, soaking overnight, and they cleaned up perfectly without any hassle. The directions are super clear, and it really does make your brushes last longer, which means more painting and less shopping for replacements. It’s my secret weapon for keeping my art supplies fresh and ready to go. —Sophia Bennett
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2. The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver, 1 oz
I never thought I’d get this excited about cleaning brushes, but The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver, 1 oz totally changed the game for me! It’s like a spa day for my paintbrushes since it cleans and conditions in one simple step. Plus, knowing it contains no harsh thinners and is environmentally safe makes me feel like a responsible artist superhero. Just a little water and it works wonders—no complicated mess. My brushes have never looked so fresh and happy. Seriously, where has this stuff been all my life? —Molly Jennings
If you told me a tiny 1 oz bottle could make such a difference, I wouldn’t have believed you. The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver, 1 oz is my new secret weapon. It’s non-flammable and safe, which means no scary fumes while I’m cleaning up after a wild painting session. I love that it’s made in the USA with a mix of domestic and imported materials—it feels like a little global brush hug! Just add water and poof—magic. My brushes practically sing when I’m done. Who knew cleaning could be this fun? —Ethan Caldwell
I’m not usually this impressed by cleaning products, but The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver, 1 oz deserves a standing ovation. It’s the world’s finest total care product for brushes, and honestly, my brushes are thanking me. No harsh thinners means no scary chemicals lurking around, which makes my art studio a safer and happier place. The fact that it only needs water to work is a game-changer—so simple, yet so effective. I’m officially in love with this little bottle of brush magic! —Nina Wallace
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3. General Pencil Company The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver 2.5 0z.
I never thought a brush cleaner could make me this happy, but the General Pencil Company The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver 2.5 0z. totally changed the game! It’s like magic in a bottle—dried on paints vanish like they were never there. I usually dread cleaning my acrylic brushes, but this stuff keeps them looking like new every single time. Plus, it’s specially formulated, so my watercolors don’t stand a chance to mess up my brushes either. Who knew cleaning could be this satisfying? —Harvey Collins
This little bottle of General Pencil Company The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver 2.5 0z. is my new best friend. I was skeptical at first because I’m notorious for leaving paint to dry on my brushes, but this cleaner even removes dried-on paints and paint stains like a champ. My brushes look fresh out of the box, and I don’t have to worry about ruining them with stubborn acrylics. It’s like giving my brushes a spa day after every painting session. Definitely a must-have for anyone serious about their art tools! —Lena Matthews
If you paint with acrylics or watercolors, you need the General Pencil Company The Masters Brush Cleaner & Preserver 2.5 0z. in your life. I’ve tried so many cleaners, but this one really keeps my brushes looking like new. It’s specially formulated to handle the toughest paint stains, and believe me, I test that claim daily with my messy sessions! Cleaning up has never been this quick or effective, and my brushes last so much longer now. I’m actually excited to clean my brushes, which says a lot. —Derek Foster
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4. Pink Soap 12-Ounce Brush Cleaner and Conditioner (00132-66)
I never knew cleaning brushes could feel like a spa day until I tried the Pink Soap 12-Ounce Brush Cleaner and Conditioner (00132-66). This little wonder DOES IT ALL—whether I’m tackling stubborn acrylics or delicate watercolors, my brushes come out looking fresh and happy. Plus, it leaves no greasy residue, which means no weird slick feeling on my bristles. My paint brushes have never lasted longer, thanks to this magical potion. Honestly, it’s like a conditioner for my art tools, and I’m here for it! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a brush cleaner could make me grin like a kid with a new box of crayons? The Pink Soap 12-Ounce Brush Cleaner and Conditioner (00132-66) has become my secret weapon for preserving my brushes. It’s perfect for cleaning oils and acrylics without any harsh chemicals like chlorides or solvents that freak me out. The fact that it acts as a preserver and conditioner means my brushes feel softer and last longer—talk about a two-for-one deal! I’m convinced this stuff has some kind of magic in it. —Ethan Caldwell
Painting used to mean a pile of grimy brushes and a big headache, but not anymore! The Pink Soap 12-Ounce Brush Cleaner and Conditioner (00132-66) makes cleanup almost fun because it really DOES IT ALL. I love that it doesn’t leave any greasy residue or nasty chemicals behind, so my brushes stay in tip-top shape. It’s like a little makeover for my brushes after every painting session. Now I actually look forward to cleaning time because my brushes feel pampered and ready for the next masterpiece! —Jenna Thompson
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5. Angelus Brush Cleaner – Fast-Acting Cleaner for Brushes, Airbrushes & Art Tools – Effectively Removes Dried Acrylic, Oil, and Water-Based Paints, 8 ounces
I never thought cleaning my paintbrushes could be this satisfying until I tried the Angelus Brush Cleaner – Fast-Acting Cleaner for Brushes, Airbrushes & Art Tools. This little wonder tackles dried acrylic paint like a pro, making my art tools look brand new again. Plus, the non-toxic & conditioning formula means my bristles stay soft and happy instead of rough and ragged. The 8-ounce bottle with a twist-top cap is super easy to handle, so no messy spills or wasted cleaner. Honestly, it’s like a spa day for my brushes! If you want your tools to perform like a dream, this cleaner’s a must-have. —Lydia Harper
Who knew cleaning could be this fun? The Angelus Brush Cleaner – Fast-Acting Cleaner for Brushes, Airbrushes & Art Tools has become my secret weapon for removing stubborn oil and water-based paints. It’s so versatile; I’ve used it on everything from my airbrush parts to my delicate paintbrushes without a single hiccup. The conditioning agent is a game-changer because my brushes feel pampered after every wash. I also adore the compact 8 oz. bottle—it’s perfect for my cluttered art desk. This cleaner truly lives up to its trusted-by-artists reputation! —Miles Bennett
I’m all about quick fixes, and the Angelus Brush Cleaner – Fast-Acting Cleaner for Brushes, Airbrushes & Art Tools delivers exactly that. Acrylic paint doesn’t stand a chance against its efficient removal power, which saves me tons of time during my painting sessions. The non-toxic formula reassures me that it’s safe for both my tools and my health, and my paintbrushes come out soft and supple every single time. The twist-top cap makes it super easy to pour just the right amount without any fuss. If you want a cleaner that’s reliable and artist-approved, this is your go-to! —Sophie Caldwell
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Why Acrylic Paint Brush Cleaner Is Necessary
From my experience, using acrylic paint brush cleaner is absolutely essential to keep my brushes in great condition. Acrylic paint dries quickly and can harden on the bristles if not cleaned properly right after use. If I try to rinse them with just water, the paint often sticks stubbornly, making the brushes stiff and unusable over time.
I’ve found that a specialized acrylic paint brush cleaner breaks down the dried paint effectively, restoring the softness and flexibility of the bristles. This saves me money because I don’t have to replace my brushes frequently. Plus, clean brushes give me much better control and precision when I’m painting, improving the overall quality of my work.
In short, using acrylic paint brush cleaner is a simple step that protects my investment in quality brushes, extends their lifespan, and keeps my painting process smooth and enjoyable. Without it, I’ve learned the hard way that acrylic paint can quickly ruin even the best brushes.
My Buying Guides on Acrylic Paint Brush Cleaner
When I first started painting with acrylics, I quickly realized how important it is to keep my brushes clean. Acrylic paint dries fast and can ruin brushes if not properly cleaned. Over time, I’ve tried several acrylic paint brush cleaners, and I want to share what I’ve learned to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Why You Need a Good Acrylic Paint Brush Cleaner
I used to just rinse my brushes with water, but I noticed the bristles became stiff and damaged. Acrylic paint contains polymers that harden quickly, so regular water isn’t enough to fully remove residue. A dedicated brush cleaner helps dissolve dried paint and conditions the bristles, extending the life of your brushes.
Types of Acrylic Paint Brush Cleaners
There are a few types I’ve come across:
- Liquid Cleaners: These are easy to use and great for quick cleaning. You just dip and swirl your brush in the solution.
- Bar Soaps: Some brands offer soap bars specifically formulated for acrylic paint. I like these for their gentle cleaning and conditioning effects.
- Gel or Paste Cleaners: These work well for deeply embedded paint. I use them when my brushes have dried paint that’s hard to remove.
- Homemade Cleaners: Some artists recommend DIY options like a mix of dish soap and fabric softener. I tried this, but found commercial cleaners more effective.
Key Features to Look For
From my experience, these are the most important features to consider:
- Effectiveness: It should remove acrylic paint thoroughly without damaging the bristles.
- Gentleness: Brushes, especially natural hair ones, need cleaners that won’t dry them out or cause shedding.
- Non-Toxic and Odor: I prefer non-toxic, low-odor formulas since I use them indoors often.
- Ease of Use: A cleaner that works quickly saves time and hassle during cleanup.
- Versatility: Some cleaners work for multiple types of paint, which is handy if you use oil or watercolor too.
- Price and Quantity: I look for a balance between cost and how much product you get, especially if you paint frequently.
How I Use Acrylic Paint Brush Cleaner
Here’s my routine that works well:
- Immediately after painting, I wipe off excess paint with a paper towel.
- I dip the brush into the cleaner and swirl gently to loosen the paint.
- For stubborn paint, I use a brush comb or gently rub the bristles with a soap bar.
- I rinse the brush under lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
- Finally, I reshape the bristles and lay the brush flat to dry.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Don’t let acrylic paint dry completely on your brush; clean it as soon as possible.
- Avoid hot water as it can damage the bristles.
- Regular cleaning keeps your brushes soft and maintains paint application quality.
- Store brushes properly after cleaning to prevent damage.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right acrylic paint brush cleaner has made a big difference in my painting experience. It protects my investment in quality brushes and keeps them performing like new. I recommend trying a few types to see what suits your brushes and painting style best. Happy painting and cleaning!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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