How to clean wood stain off a brush

Did you make a wood stain mess? Here is our complete guide on how to clean wood stain off of a brush!

Staining is a huge part of any wood project. Whether you are building or refinishing, applying the right stain can protect your piece and give it the perfect finished look.

But, the job isn’t done once the stain has been applied. You still need to clean up!

We always suggest buying high quality paint brushes, and the key to that is to clean them very well.

You can actually save a lot of money in the long run by re-using good brushes many, many times, compared to buying nw cheapie disposable brushes for each project.

But, the key to that is cleaning them well after each use. So, we wanted to share a step by step guide to cleaning your stain brushes so they last as long as possible!

Water-Based Wood Stain vs. Oil-Based Wood Stain

Before we start cleaning up your mess, you need to understand what type of stain you are working with. Wood stains can be wither water-based or oil based.

Water based wood stain is easy to apply and has less of an odor. It is easier to clean with just soap and water. But, the finish is not quite as durable and can get dents or scratches.

Oil based wood stain has a stronger odor, which can make it harder to apply. But, it is more durable and is generally considered weather-resistant, UV-resistant, and heat-resistant. However, it’s chemical makeup can make it a bit more difficult to clean up.

	Water-Based Stains	Oil-Based Stains
Durability	Less durable, prone to dents and scratches	More durable, resistant to weather, UV, and heat
Clean-Up	Easy cleanup with soap and water	More challenging cleanup compared to water-based

We almost always choose water-based wood stain. While it is not quite as durable, it’s totally fine for everyday wear and tear (especially with multiple coats and a good top coat sealant) and is much easier to work with.

Whatever stain you work with makes a very big difference in how you are going to clean it up!

What solvents remove oil-based wood stains?

Water-based stains will clean up with dish soap and water, but oil based stains require a solvent to break it down. The best options are:

• mineral spirits (NOT mineral oil!)
• paint thinner
• denatured alcohol
• nail polish remover (with acetone)
• rubbing alcohol

What is the best brush to use with wood stain?

You can apply wood stain with a natural bristle brush, a foam brush, or a lint free cloth.

My first choice is always to use a lint free cloth (we use these tack cloths) and wear disposable gloves.

I do not like using foam paint brushes with stain. I used to because they were cheap and disposable, but found it was hard to get the pressure right. Push too hard, and you get too much stain and it quickly gets blotchy.

A bristle paint brush is fine for stain – you will just want to act quickly to wash it when you are done so you can re-use it for another project.

How to clean wood stain off a brush

In a perfect world, you would always clean your paint brush right away, while the wood stain is still wet. This makes it much easier to clean.

Supplies needed to clean wet wood stain off a brush:

• Dish soap(for water-based stains)
• Solvent (for oil-based stains: I suggest Mineral Spirits)
• Sink or container of water
• Dirty brush
• Optional: brush comb

Get stain on your hands, too? Read our guide on how to get wood stain off your hands!

Steps to clean wood stain off a paint brush:

1. Wet your brush with running water
2. Soak with solvent or squirt with soap
3. Scrub brush with a gloved hand or a brush comb (I love this thing!)
4. Rinse and repeat the process with warm, soapy water until the brush is clean
5. Rinse thoroughly
6. Shake the brush dry and then set out on a towel or clean surface to air dry fully

Cleaning Dried Wood Stain off a Brush

If your brush has dried with stain on it, it’s not ideal but you can probably still save it.

Supplies needed to clean dry stain off a paint brush:

• Dish soap(for water-based stains)
• Solvent (for oil-based stains: I suggest Mineral Spirits)
• Container of water
• Dirty brush
• Optional: brush comb

Steps to clean dry stain off a paint brush:

1. Wet your brush with running water
2. Fill the container with warm water and the cleaning solvent of choice
3. Place the bristles of the brush in the container and let soak for 5-15 minutes
4. Scrub under running water with a gloved hand or a brush comb (I love this thing!)
5. Rinse and repeat the process with warm, soapy water until the brush is clean
6. Rinse thoroughly
7. Shake the brush dry and then set out on a towel or clean surface to air dry fully

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips for maintaining your brushes and preventing wood stain buildup.

Brush Storage

Store your brushes properly between uses. If you plan to take a break during a project, wrap your brush tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out.

For longer-term storage, hang brushes with the bristles facing downward to maintain their shape and prevent deformation.

Brush Comb

Keep a brush comb or wire brush on hand to help remove excess stain from the bristles.

After cleaning your brush, comb through the bristles to ensure there are no hardened bits of stain left behind. This will extend the brush’s lifespan.

Avoid Overloading

Be mindful not to overload your brush with stain. Excess stain on the brush can lead to drips and uneven application.

Instead, dip the brush slightly into the stain and tap off any excess before applying it to your project.

Regular Cleaning

Make it a habit to clean your brush immediately after each use. Even if you plan to continue your project later, cleaning the brush prevents the stain from hardening on the bristles, making it much easier to clean.

Follow the cleaning steps mentioned in the article for either wet or dried stain, depending on the situation.

Hopefully these tips will have your brush clean and ready for your next woodworking project in no time!

New to using wood stain? Grab our complete guidebook – it covers everything you need to know to get the perfect finish!