Cleaning Dulux gloss

[clive_candy]

The tin recommends some kind of branded brush cleaner (of course) and nothing else.

Will white spirits work or soap and water?

[Simpo Two]

There are two main kinds of paint, water-based and oil-based. The solvent for water-based paints is water and the solvent for oil-based is 'turps' aka white spirit. If what you have is water-based it would say 'wash brushes in soap and water' so I deduce it's solvent based and you need a bottle of white spirit. The smell is a giveaway.

A few paints are cellulose-based which need cellulose thinners.

[JoshSm]

I have a tall container of brush cleaner (with some brush restorer) that the brushes go into. Bit more potent than just using white spirit. The dregs get filtered periodically when they settle out. The actual cleaner can be reused and you don't lose much.

Either way finishing the cleaning with some degreaser/cleaner is a good way of getting all the remaining rubbish out, especially after cleaning with something oily.

[PhilboSE]

Call me a wastral but I just wrap used oil brushes in cling film overnight then re-use the next day. When job is finished or after about 3 days brush goes in the bin. I’ll probably get through about 3 x2.5l of paint per brush if I’m doing windows, so as that would be about £90 of paint I don’t feel too bad about chucking a £6 Hamilton brush as part of the job.

I used to clean oil brushes but then you have to get rid of the painty white spirit plus I find you get bits of old paint coming out the brush the next time you use it and you lose time getting rid of the snots.

Water based, different story.

Edited by PhilboSE on Saturday 8th August 16:06

[PhilboSE]

Another thing for the OP: hope you’re not using Dulux oil based internal gloss. It doesn’t stay white very long and goes cream, particularly if not exposed to strong sunlight.

Dulux water based interior gloss is fine in that regard but takes a bit of getting used to in application.

[mart 63]

If oil based paint used, just put brushes in water till next used. As long as the water is above the bristles, they won't go hard. The same with water based paint.

[clive_candy]

Thanks all.

White spirits seems to work though I have to say PhilboSE's policy is an attractive one.