Thank you for all the info in this video. Have you ever considered using Safflower oil and Clove oil together to keep your brushes "wet" all the time with no need to clean them (ever, unless storing them long term). Mark Carder's (draw mix paint) channel introduced me to this. He sells a brush dip containing these ingredients, but I can make a gallon of it for what his site charges for a pint. A roller pan and some dip is what I use between sessions. Just wipe paint off your brush and dip it in the solution making sure to fill the the hairs with dip and place it in the pan. Stays wet for about 10-14 days. Wipe them thoroughly before using again. Way less abusive to brushes than cleaning them every day. And when I do need to clean my brushes I just use dawn dish soap and water. No solvents at all. Just food for thought. Thank you again. I really enjoy your videos! Oh and the secret recipe, if interested, is one gallon safflower oil to about 85mL clove oil (amazon sells both). The ratio I found online is 500mL SO to 10mL CO, although I doubt you have to be that precise.
I use safflower oil only, never any solvents for cleaning. I use solvents for the first wash sometimes. Occasionally I wash my brushes thoroughly with linseed oil and water. What does the clove oil do? I wanna try your mix.
@@nanker72 The clove oil retards the drying/oxidizing rate of oil paint drastically. I also store my paints (just paint - no paint plus medium) from the pallet in something like a tupperware container. The more air tight the better. Using a pallet knife, I put the dallops on the inner wall of the container and then put several drops of clove oil in the bottom of the container. I then put the lid on and store it in my studio. The fumes from the clove oil keep the paint fresh for days. I guess you could put it in the freezer as well, further enhancing the effect. Just be careful not to put the paint directly in the oil. I'm pretty sure it would take awhile for that paint to dry as well as possible effects on paint film?. I use AVO safflower oil from amazon $30/Gal. Ethereal nature clove oil $14/4oz. Good luck!😃
Gamsol is exactly as toxic as any mineral turpentine or other odorless solvents. They all have the same chains that are toxic (because those are the very ones that do the solvent thing). It is only less alergenic because it is more refined. Gamsol or Ecosolv (as it is sold in other countries) is is just ultra refined and purified solvent, but what remains is the very main toxic component. Just keep the stuff closed when not needed and keep area ventilated.
The toxicological properties of any particular solvent or solvent mix depend greatly on the components and blanket statements are not helpful. Turpentine vs hydrogenated paraffin fractions ( Gamsol) have differing health effects. Unfortunately the only way to be certain is to get real exposure data, sometimes available from the chemical industry.
@@dentonhoyer383 Gamsol is LITERALLY mineral spirits refined to remove the aromatic components, that from someone IN THE INDUSTRY! They are not allowed to be sold on several countries exactly because they are TOXIC and products that produce toxic vapors are forbidden for being without smell on most sane countries.
As an anecdote, I was using Gamsol in a relatively unventilated basement, leaving the jar open while working, thinking it was “safer.” After long hours working I started noticing that my voice was getting raspier and dryer. Gamsol is not actually safer. It doesn’t have the odor of turp but the fumes are still there and hazardous. I’ve since improved my ventilation and always keep my solvent jar covered when not in use.
I used to get headaches and throat dryness from Gamsol. I used it for a very short time though. I decided it's not worth the health risks long term, so I switched to gamblin's solvent free gel and walnut oil only. I barely use the solvent free gel either, since I work quite thick
@@crisjunfan2139 Yes, it is the very same chain component. It is NOT SAFER, period it is the SAME THING. The only reduced risk is of allergy from the composited that cause the smell.
Thank you Chelsea for all the tips, I just picked up " The war of Art" as u recommended on audible. Keen to take a listen as the preview sounded amazing !!
Another excellent video! Very glad I found your channel. I'm full onboard the Murphy's Oil Soap train, and have also brought back brushes I thought were deceased. I lay down cling-wrap, then the brush, then pour some over the bristles and wrap it up. Leave for a day or two. It's less messy. I'm also a neat painter, but sometimes accidents happen. Got a little paint on a shirt I like (forgot to change into painting clothes) and have heard Murphy's will remove it. We'll see. If not, it'll be a new painting shirt. Not a must-have because you can DIY one, but I really like the Silacoil brush cleaners. They last forever, do a good job, and you can remove the coil (flip it upside down, then unscrew it) and bring it back to brand new condition.
I really would love to see list like that but version for europeans - it boils down to - no gamblin products at all because they are unavailable here. ;)
As a thinner, I now use only walnut oil. I had reactions to everything else, even Gamsol. I bought a very expensive air cleaner, didn’t help. Finally settled on oil straight from the tube or using walnut oil. No problems now. If anyone wonders why they feel a bit lightheaded in the studio, try it.
About disposing of paint rags/paper towels, I know about the special can and safety protocol in the moment. But what exactly do you do with those towels when the can is full? How do YOU dispose of them?
You eventually have to just throw them out on trash collection day. Unfortunately there is no eco-friendly way to get rid of them. The main thing is keeping you home safe until then.
@@crisjunfan2139 I was worried about them combusting in either my trash bin or on the truck especially in the summer. Now I know it is ok, because I had already been drying them out. I still keep the Gamsol use at a minimum.
I could recommend Bartoline Clean Spirit for the brush cleaning. It is a soap water, but with an extremely high dissolving ability. Once it even slightly dissolve a laquer on the brush handle after an half of an hour. It hasn't any smell and actually it is a water with a soap-like agent.
They tend to shift over time, but are always some combination of the Rosemary ivory/evergreen flats and filberts, eclipse extra-long combers, and the occasional masters choice flat or filbert. That plus the Creative Mark Qualita flats and filberts.
Thank you for all the info in this video. Have you ever considered using Safflower oil and Clove oil together to keep your brushes "wet" all the time with no need to clean them (ever, unless storing them long term). Mark Carder's (draw mix paint) channel introduced me to this. He sells a brush dip containing these ingredients, but I can make a gallon of it for what his site charges for a pint. A roller pan and some dip is what I use between sessions. Just wipe paint off your brush and dip it in the solution making sure to fill the the hairs with dip and place it in the pan. Stays wet for about 10-14 days. Wipe them thoroughly before using again. Way less abusive to brushes than cleaning them every day. And when I do need to clean my brushes I just use dawn dish soap and water. No solvents at all. Just food for thought. Thank you again. I really enjoy your videos! Oh and the secret recipe, if interested, is one gallon safflower oil to about 85mL clove oil (amazon sells both). The ratio I found online is 500mL SO to 10mL CO, although I doubt you have to be that precise.
Yes, I actually use this most of the time!
@@ChelseaLang That's awesome! I was so happy when I discovered it. I wanted to share, just in case you or anyone hadn't heard of it. 👍
I use safflower oil only, never any solvents for cleaning. I use solvents for the first wash sometimes. Occasionally I wash my brushes thoroughly with linseed oil and water. What does the clove oil do? I wanna try your mix.
@@nanker72 The clove oil retards the drying/oxidizing rate of oil paint drastically. I also store my paints (just paint - no paint plus medium) from the pallet in something like a tupperware container. The more air tight the better. Using a pallet knife, I put the dallops on the inner wall of the container and then put several drops of clove oil in the bottom of the container. I then put the lid on and store it in my studio. The fumes from the clove oil keep the paint fresh for days. I guess you could put it in the freezer as well, further enhancing the effect. Just be careful not to put the paint directly in the oil. I'm pretty sure it would take awhile for that paint to dry as well as possible effects on paint film?. I use AVO safflower oil from amazon $30/Gal. Ethereal nature clove oil $14/4oz. Good luck!😃
@@ronanthem Great tip, thank you!
Gamsol is exactly as toxic as any mineral turpentine or other odorless solvents. They all have the same chains that are toxic (because those are the very ones that do the solvent thing). It is only less alergenic because it is more refined. Gamsol or Ecosolv (as it is sold in other countries) is is just ultra refined and purified solvent, but what remains is the very main toxic component. Just keep the stuff closed when not needed and keep area ventilated.
The toxicological properties of any particular solvent or solvent mix depend greatly on the components and blanket statements are not helpful. Turpentine vs hydrogenated paraffin fractions ( Gamsol) have differing health effects. Unfortunately the only way to be certain is to get real exposure data, sometimes available from the chemical industry.
@@dentonhoyer383 Gamsol is LITERALLY mineral spirits refined to remove the aromatic components, that from someone IN THE INDUSTRY! They are not allowed to be sold on several countries exactly because they are TOXIC and products that produce toxic vapors are forbidden for being without smell on most sane countries.
As an anecdote, I was using Gamsol in a relatively unventilated basement, leaving the jar open while working, thinking it was “safer.” After long hours working I started noticing that my voice was getting raspier and dryer. Gamsol is not actually safer. It doesn’t have the odor of turp but the fumes are still there and hazardous. I’ve since improved my ventilation and always keep my solvent jar covered when not in use.
I used to get headaches and throat dryness from Gamsol. I used it for a very short time though. I decided it's not worth the health risks long term, so I switched to gamblin's solvent free gel and walnut oil only. I barely use the solvent free gel either, since I work quite thick
@@crisjunfan2139 Yes, it is the very same chain component. It is NOT SAFER, period it is the SAME THING. The only reduced risk is of allergy from the composited that cause the smell.
I really learn a lot not only in the video but also in the commemt section
Thank you Chelsea for all the tips, I just picked up " The war of Art" as u recommended on audible. Keen to take a listen as the preview sounded amazing !!
So many amazing tips, thank you for sharing ☺☺
Another excellent video! Very glad I found your channel. I'm full onboard the Murphy's Oil Soap train, and have also brought back brushes I thought were deceased. I lay down cling-wrap, then the brush, then pour some over the bristles and wrap it up. Leave for a day or two. It's less messy. I'm also a neat painter, but sometimes accidents happen. Got a little paint on a shirt I like (forgot to change into painting clothes) and have heard Murphy's will remove it. We'll see. If not, it'll be a new painting shirt.
Not a must-have because you can DIY one, but I really like the Silacoil brush cleaners. They last forever, do a good job, and you can remove the coil (flip it upside down, then unscrew it) and bring it back to brand new condition.
Follow-up. The Murphy's Oil Soap did remove the paint from my shirt.
I really would love to see list like that but version for europeans - it boils down to - no gamblin products at all because they are unavailable here. ;)
About stuck tube caps, I've been giving the tops a quick swipe with a paper towel to remove excess paint, so they don't get stuck on.
Yes tube cleaning is a must
As a thinner, I now use only walnut oil. I had reactions to everything else, even Gamsol.
I bought a very expensive air cleaner, didn’t help. Finally settled on oil straight from the tube or using walnut oil. No problems now. If anyone wonders why they feel a bit lightheaded in the studio, try it.
I’ve used the cleanser 409 to get dried paint out of a found oil painting brush.
About disposing of paint rags/paper towels, I know about the special can and safety protocol in the moment. But what exactly do you do with those towels when the can is full? How do YOU dispose of them?
Watched the video and got my answer. 😊 it was a very comprehensive video. Thank you for the recommendation!
You eventually have to just throw them out on trash collection day. Unfortunately there is no eco-friendly way to get rid of them. The main thing is keeping you home safe until then.
@@crisjunfan2139 I was worried about them combusting in either my trash bin or on the truck especially in the summer. Now I know it is ok, because I had already been drying them out. I still keep the Gamsol use at a minimum.
I was wondering the same thing! Glad to have read through the comment section… thanks! 😊
So very informative thank you!
I could recommend Bartoline Clean Spirit for the brush cleaning. It is a soap water, but with an extremely high dissolving ability. Once it even slightly dissolve a laquer on the brush handle after an half of an hour. It hasn't any smell and actually it is a water with a soap-like agent.
I heard Chelsea Classic Studio, and also Eco House, are the best for non toxic use.
👋Hi Chelsea, thanks a lot for your helpful explanations /recommendations.💖
As a complete novice with a cocker spaniel, I was intimidated by oil until I got educated @EvolveArtists. I will only use Linseed oil.
thanks for your video. I'd add a tube wringer to the list, a great tool, but only all metal, not plastic
The brushes you say that you use here are quite different than the ones in your style document.
They tend to shift over time, but are always some combination of the Rosemary ivory/evergreen flats and filberts, eclipse extra-long combers, and the occasional masters choice flat or filbert. That plus the Creative Mark Qualita flats and filberts.
Everyone recommends hog and bristle brushes but I like softer brushes
There is citrus solvent in the market. So this video is quite old style 😅
You're a cutie!