Quick Cleaning Tips for Your Art Supplies

April 8, 2024

Learn how to quickly clean your stencils, brushes, brayers and gelli plates using 3 simple supplies.

Whether you’re a seasoned mixed media artist or just dabbling in the world of collage, keeping your stencils, brayers, brushes, and Gelli plates clean is essential for creating whenever we feel inspired. Here are some simple tips and techniques to help you keep your art tools in pristine condition for your next creative masterpiece.

First of all – stencils! I recently discovered a game-changing product called Goof Off (linked below), which effortlessly removes layers of dried paint from stencils in a matter of minutes. Spray Goof Off onto the stencil, let it sit for a few minutes, and then use a scouring sponge to gently rub off the paint.

Next up, let’s talk about brushes. No matter how hard and paint covered my brushes are, I soak them in Murphy’s oil soap for 24 hours, and like magic the paint is loosened and they are as good as new! Plus, you can reuse the Murphy’s oil soap multiple times, making it a cost-effective and efficient cleaning solution for your beloved brushes.

Now, onto brayers. If you’ve ever struggled with cleaning a paint-caked brayer, fear not. Soaking the brayer in Murphy’s oil soap can work wonders in dissolving the layers of paint, restoring your brayer to its former glory.

Last, but not least, let’s tackle the Gelli plates. These are a joy to work with, but they can become grimy over time. While daily maintenance with baby oil or baby wipes can help, tough grime may require a different approach. You can use packing tape to lift off the accumulated paint for a quick way to keep your Gelli plate clean. But if there are stubborn spots you can also give a little TLC by using a little mineral oil.

I hope you found these tips helpful and that they inspire you to experiment with new ways to keep your art tools in top condition. If you have cleaning hacks you want to share, let me know in the comments below.

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