Watercolor brush pens are a fun and easy way to make beautiful creations such as faux calligraphy and different kinds of artwork. Just like most other writing or coloring tools (like fountain pens), a certain level of maintenance is required to keep your watercolor brush pens in tip-top condition. Learning how to clean your brush pens will extend their lifespan and allow you to use them for much longer, so we’ve put together this article. Here’s how to clean your watercolor brush pens.
How to clean your brush pen
Watercolor brush pens contain water-based ink in their bodies, so cleaning can be as easy as squeezing your pen and wiping the tip with a dry paper towel to remove any residue. If your brush pen’s bristles look spotted or dirty, they may be spots or stains from regular use. Your brush pen is clean as long as the colors come out clean when you wipe it off with a towel.
However, if the ink from your pen keeps coming out stained, then it might be time to clean the bristles. Using a mixture of water and mild soap, dip your brush pen’s bristle tip into it and wait a few minutes. Rinse it with warm water, then gently wipe it with a clean cloth or paper towel. Repeat if necessary or until your brush pen produces a clean line of ink.
Be sure not to use antibacterial hand soaps as they can be harsh and affect the softness of your pen’s brush tip.
How often you should clean your brush pen
It is helpful to clean your brush pens often. If you can, wipe them down with a paper towel or rinse them with warm water every time you paint, especially if you have been using them with other types of ink or blending with other colors. We recommend cleaning your brush pens more thoroughly at least once a month or so.
Other cleaning tips
Here are some other tips on cleaning your brush pen that will help maintain their shape and quality for much longer:
Lay them flat after cleaning. One common mistake many people make is storing their brush pens with the tip facing upward right after cleaning. This can result in seepage and bristles may dry misshapen. To avoid this, always place your brush pen in a horizontal position until it dries completely. You can lay it flat on a paper towel or soft, lint-free cloth.
Shape the tip. When you finish cleaning your brush pen, make sure to shape the tips using your fingertips or a towel. Use a bit of pressure to ensure the tips are pointed after they have been cleaned. This way, they will dry in the right shape. In case your brush pen tips dry misshapen, wet them again and repeat the shaping process.
Do not soak the pen for too long. Watercolor brush pens are self-moisturizing and do not need a lot of water to be cleaned. Soaking the brush pen for too long will damage the bristles and may render your brush pen unusable. At most, soak the pen for a minute or two when cleaning.
And that’s all there is to it! Cleaning your brush pens is quick, simple, and easy. Doing so regularly will keep your brush pens in good shape so you can get the most out of them. Whether you’re still figuring out how to use brush pens or consider yourself an expert, cleaning them is a good habit to pick up.
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
