Preserve Your Precious Brushes: Re-Unveiling the Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank

Preserve Your Precious Brushes: Unveiling the Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank

Every artist knows the frustration of a ruined brush. Those once-perfect bristles, frayed and limp, become a constant reminder of countless strokes and countless cleanings gone wrong. But what if there was a better way? Enter the Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank, a revolutionary tool designed to extend the life and performance of your fine art brushes.

The Delicate Dance: Brushes and Their Fragile Form

Unlike their utilitarian hardware store counterparts, fine art brushes are delicate instruments. Traditionally crafted from white hog bristles, meticulously selected for their quality, these brushes possess split ends known as "flags." These flags are crucial for creating a soft touch and precise application of color.

However, the enemy of artistry often lurks in plain sight: the wire mesh strainer. While seemingly convenient, these strainers pose a significant threat. The abrasive nature of the wire mesh can snag and sever the delicate flags, ultimately compromising the brush's structure and performance.

Beyond Brutal Scrubbing: Introducing the Silicoil Advantage

The Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank offers a gentle yet effective alternative. Here's what sets it apart:

• Safe and Sound: The innovative design eliminates sharp edges, protecting your brushes from accidental damage.

• Flawless Cleaning: A specially designed coil gently agitates the bristles, removing paint particles without harming the delicate flags.

• Settling the Sediment: Cleverly placed clearances allow dissolved paint solids to settle at the bottom, preventing them from redepositing on your clean brushes.

• Convenience Reigns: A sealable lid minimizes solvent evaporation and allows for safe transport, making it perfect for studio or plein air work.

• Crafted for Artists: The focus on practicality and readily available materials ensures affordability and ease of use.

A Legacy of Artist Endorsement

The Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank isn't just another pretty (or should we say, practical) product. Recognizing its potential, the renowned art supply brand Winsor & Newton became an early adopter. Their endorsement, through catalog inclusion and ongoing sales, speaks volumes about the impact of the Silicoil Tank on the artist's experience.

Investing in Your Craft:

The Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank isn't just about convenience; it's an investment in your artistic journey. By safeguarding your brushes, you're safeguarding your ability to create.

Keywords: Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank, brush care, artist brushes, brush cleaning, fine art supplies, Winsor & Newton, split bristle brushes, brush flags, artist tools

Brush Up on Your Technique: The Ultimate Guide to Safe and Effective Brush Cleaning

Brush Up on Your Technique: The Ultimate Guide to Safe and Effective Brush Cleaning

Keeping your paint brushes clean isn't just about maintaining a tidy workspace; it's essential for creating high-quality artwork and extending the life of your precious tools. But navigating the world of brush cleaning can be confusing, with different techniques for various paint types and a constant fear of damaging those delicate bristles.

Worry no more! This guide delves into the best brush cleaning techniques, ensuring your brushes stay in top condition, no matter the medium you use.

Understanding Brush Types and Cleaning Solutions

Before diving in, let's address the essentials:

• Brush types: Different brushes (acrylic, oil, watercolor) have specific cleaning needs. Knowing your brush type is crucial for selecting the right cleaning solution.

• Cleaning solutions: Water-based mediums like acrylics and watercolors can be cleaned with water and a gentle soap. Oil-based paints require solvents like mineral spirits or a dedicated oil brush cleaner.

The Golden Rules of Brush Cleaning:

1. Clean as you go: Don't let paint dry on your brushes! The sooner you clean them, the easier the process will be.

2. Right tool for the job: Use the appropriate cleaning solution for your paint type. Harsh solvents on delicate watercolor brushes will cause damage.

3. Gently does it: Avoid scrubbing your brushes harshly. Instead, use a swirling motion to release paint particles.

4. Rinse thoroughly: Remove all traces of cleaning solution to prevent residue buildup that can stiffen bristles.

5. Reshape and dry: Gently reshape the brush head to its original form and lay it flat to dry. Never stand brushes upright, as this can cause bristles to splay.

Beyond the Basics: Techniques for Different Media

• Acrylics & Watercolors: These water-based paints are generally the easiest to clean. Rinse brushes thoroughly with clean water, then add a drop of mild dish soap and gently massage the bristles. Rinse again and reshape the brush head before drying.

• Oils: Cleaning oil brushes requires a solvent like mineral spirits or a dedicated oil brush cleaner. Dip the brush (not the ferrule!) into the solvent, swirl gently, and squeeze out excess paint. Repeat until the solvent runs clear. Wash with warm soapy water and follow the rinsing and drying steps.

Bonus Tip: The Silicoil Advantage

For an extra layer of protection and a deeper clean, consider the Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank. This innovative system utilizes a smooth aluminum coil that gently separates bristles, removing paint residue without damaging delicate flags (tips).

Maintaining your brushes is an investment in your art. By following these simple techniques and exploring tools like the Silicoil system, you'll ensure your brushes perform at their best for years to come!

From Engineer to Artist: The Enduring Legacy of Leo Wrye Zimmerman

From Engineer to Artist: The Enduring Legacy of Leo Wrye Zimmerman

The world of art boasts countless visionaries, but few bridge the gap between creativity and invention quite like Leo Wrye Zimmerman. This Kentucky-born artist wasn't just a master of abstract expressionism; he was also the mind behind the Silicoil Brush Cleaning System, a tool revered by artists doday.

A Life Steeped in Art and Innovation

Born in 1924, Zimmerman's artistic journey began unexpectedly. Initially set on a medical path, his time in the army during World War II sparked a passion for the arts. After the war, he honed his skills and established himself as a prolific artist in Louisville, Kentucky, even founding the city's Society for the Arts in Louisville.

Beyond the Canvas: The Birth of Silicoil

Zimmerman's innovative spirit wasn't confined to the canvas. Frustrated by traditional brush cleaning methods that damaged delicate bristles, he envisioned a better solution. In 1954, his ingenuity led to the creation of the patented Silicoil Brush Cleaning System. This revolutionary tool, still lauded by artists today, utilizes a smooth aluminum coil to effectively remove paint while preserving brush longevity.

A Legacy That Lives On

Leo Wrye Zimmerman's influence extends far beyond his artistic achievements. The Silicoil Brush Cleaning System is a testament to his dedication to both art and innovation. His abstract works, often exploring the relationship between art, philosophy, and invention, continue to captivate viewers. The details of Wrye’s life and art are chronicled in the text “A Wrye Life”. (Zimmerman, Leo  Wrye. A Wrye Life . The Lion Company Inc., 2009.)

Explore More:

• Dive deeper into Zimmerman's abstract masterpieces here

• Learn more about the Silicoil Brush Cleaning System and its benefits for artists here

From Neo-Cubism to Abstraction: The Pioneering Spirit of Edgard Pillet

From Neo-Cubism to Abstraction: The Pioneering Spirit of Edgard Pillet

The world of post-war Parisian art pulsated with a spirit of innovation. Among the leading figures pushing boundaries was Edgard Pillet, a multifaceted artist whose work traversed painting, sculpture, and tapestry design. This blog post explores Pillet's remarkable career, highlighting his contributions to the rise of geometric abstraction.

Early Life and Artistic Awakening (1912-1940s)

Born in Saint-Christoly-Médoc, France in 1912, Edgard Pillet's artistic journey began at a young age. He honed his skills at the prestigious Bordeaux School of Fine Arts before continuing his studies in Paris. Initially drawn to Neo-Cubism, Pillet's early works showcased a fascination with geometric forms and deconstructed perspectives.

Championing Abstraction: Art d'Aujourd'hui and the Atelier d'Art Abstrait (1940s-1950s)

The post-war period witnessed a surge in abstract art, and Edgard Pillet became a key figure in this movement. He served as the Secretary General of the influential magazine Art d'Aujourd'hui ("Art of Today"), a platform dedicated to promoting abstract art in France.

Pillet's commitment to abstraction extended beyond writing. In 1950, he co-founded the Atelier d'Art Abstrait (Abstract Art Workshop) alongside artist Jean Dewasne. This groundbreaking institution offered a space for emerging artists to explore the burgeoning field of abstract art, solidifying Pillet's legacy as a champion of the movement.

A Multifaceted Artist: Beyond the Canvas (1950s-1996)

While best known for his abstract paintings, Edgard Pillet wasn't confined to a single medium. He ventured into sculpture, incorporating geometric shapes into his three-dimensional works. Pillet also explored the art of tapestry design, collaborating with the renowned Pinton workshop in Aubusson, France.

A Legacy of Exploration and Innovation

Edgard Pillet's artistic career spanned over five decades, leaving a lasting mark on the world of abstract art. His dedication to promoting abstraction, coupled with his own innovative creations, continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.