How to Keep Paint Brushes Wet

When you have an ongoing painting project, you can save yourself time and conserve water by keeping your paint brush wet between painting sessions instead of cleaning it after each use. There are a couple of ways you can do this that will...

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Plastic Bag

Cut a V-shaped notch near the bottom corner of a zip-top plastic bag. Use a pair of scissors to cut a 'V' shape into the side of the plastic bag near one of the bottom corners. Try to make the notch approximately the same width as the handle of your paint brush.^{[1] X Research source}
1. Since you will stick the paint brush's handle out the notch, the bag you use only has to be big enough for the head of the brush to fit in.
2. Making a notch for the handle will allow you to roll up the bag more tightly and with less air in it than if you just stick the whole brush in a large plastic bag.
Tip: If you just want to take a quick break from painting, you can simply stick your brush in a paint can to keep it wet. However, if you plan to stop for a few hours, use a different method to keep the brush wet so you can seal up your paint.
Put your paint brush into the bag handle-first with the handle out the notch. Carefully insert the wet paint brush into the bag and slide the handle out through the notch you cut. Tuck the bristles of the brush into the opposite corner.^{[2] X Research source}
1. The brush should be parallel to the bottom of the bag and not diagonal or crooked.
Roll the plastic bag up tightly, squeezing the air out as you go. Start rolling the paint brush up in the bag from the bottom to the top. Press out all the air in the bag after each roll.^{[3] X Research source}
1. Air is what will make your paint brush dry out, so roll up the bag as tightly as you can.
Seal the zip-top and wrap masking tape around the bag and brush. Close the plastic bag all the way, making sure to squeeze out any remaining air. Wrap masking tape around the bag 2-3 times to keep it tightly sealed around the wet brush.^{[4] X Research source}
1. This method will keep your paint brush wet for approximately 2-3 hours.

Method 2 of 2:

Wrapping a Wet Paint Brush

Soak a towel in water so that it is completely saturated. Get an old towel that you don't mind getting paint on. Hold it under running water until it is completely soaked and let the excess water drip off, but don't wring it out completely.^{[5] X Research source}
1. You could also use a wet rag or cloth, if you don't have an old towel that you can sacrifice.
Put your paint brush in the wet towel and wrap it up tightly. Place your wet paint brush on top of the wet towel at one of the narrow ends. Roll the brush up tightly inside the towel.^{[6] X Research source}
1. Try not to squeeze out much of the water from the towel while you roll it up.
Wrap plastic wrap or aluminum foil tightly around the wet towel and brush. Surround the wet towel in 2-3 layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Twist the plastic or foil closed tightly at each end so the towel and brush are completely sealed inside.^{[7] X Research source}
1. You could also stick the wet towel and brush in a sealable plastic bag, if you have one big enough. Make sure to squeeze out all the air so the towel stays wet.
Place the wrapped brush in your refrigerator. Put the whole bundle somewhere out of the way in your refrigerator. Keep it there until you're ready to paint again.^{[8] X Research source}
1. This method will keep your paint brush wet for several weeks or even longer.
2. Don't store wet paint brushes in a freezer. This can cause the paint to become stringy and semi-solid, rather than keep it wet.
Tip: You can use this method to keep your paint brush wet for longer ongoing painting projects. However, if you aren't painting regularly or plan to take a long break, consider washing and storing your paint brush properly.