should my husband fill his paint brush pot with clean water or use existing dirty water?

Answer 1

Realistically, the brush water pots (I use old tin cans) can only keep clean water in them for a short time because once the first brush goes in it after use then the water is 'dirty.'

I'll be damned if I'm going to take the time to stop my painting long enough to get clean water every time I put another brush in the water can. I can use ten or more different brushes on one painting and I'm not going to waste my time constantly changing out the water. And I doubt seriously if any true, serious artist who is focused on getting their painting just right would or should care if the water in the brush pot stays clean during the day after the first brush goes in it. I would guess most would only care about changing out the water after they have finished painting for the day.

The only reason the water pot is used in the first place is to prevent the paintbrush from drying out after use and before cleaning. I keep separate cans of clean water nearby to 'rinse' out a brush if I want to re-use it on the same painting. I also have a sink in my studio to rinse out brushes.

But the answer to your question is that the only real purpose for the brush water pot or can or jar is to prevent a recently used brush from drying out while it is waiting (for the day) to be rinsed out and re-used or rinsed out and put away. If an artist spent their time changing that water every time a different brush went into it they wouldn't have time to get much painting done.

Answer 2

You don't say what kind of painting your husband does.
If it is water colours using artists brushes then I suggest he starts with two pots of clean water, one to rinse then the second to wash his brushes when changing colours especially when using lighter colours.If using oil paints or painting the house the brushes can be left in water for a short while, the purpose being to keep the air from drying the paint on the bristles and as long as he works the water out of the brush before he starts no damage will be done, if on the other hand he is not going to return to using the brushes for some time, he should clean them as leaving them in a pot on the bristles will cause a lot of damage. It is better to start the job with a clean brush rather that one that is all chocked up.On occasions if you wrap the brush in a wet piece of paper for a short time will keep the brush from drying out,and will keep the bristles straight. hope this helps

Answer 3

If painting in watercolour...use two pots of water. One to rinse out the dirty brush. The other for wetting the brush before applying fresh colour.

Answer 4

If he's using watercolour he should always have two pots of water - o ne for use with his paint the other for using to rinse his brush out. Sometimes the water used for washing out the brush can be used as a shadow colour.

Answer 5

Clean water. Dirty water is hard on the brushes.

Answer 6

I have one clean water one dirty water and one cup of tea. The clean water is to keep the dirty water as far away as possible from the cup of tea. This helps avoid confusion.

Answer 7

Clean, luke warm water.

I mean, if you want to paint a dirty brown sepia watercolour of London in the 1800's then fine, use dirty water...

Answer 8

Assuming he is working with water colour paints, its recommended you have to containers of water, one to rinse off the brush after applying a colour or changing colours.

And then CLEAN CLEAR water to mix or apply with your paint, or you simply "Muddy" your colours.

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Answer 9

i always have two pots of water, one to rinse brushes and one to dip and add to color.
i often let my water get too dirty before i change it, works out fine as long as i am not using bright colors, it tends to muddy the color.

Answer 10

What medium is he using? If he is using watercolor or acrylics clean water is appropriate. If he is using oilpaints he should NOT use water, but turps or something formulated to clean oil paints.