Which brush type can be washed with soap and water?

• A. Oil brushes need to be cleaned with paint thinner solvent because NOT WS
• B. Acrylic brushes can be washed with soap and water
• C. Watercolor and Acrylic brushes can be washed with soap and water because they ARE WS
• D. All brush types are water soluble

Answer: (C)

Brushes used with water-based paints clean up with soap and water. Watercolor and acrylic brushes are designed for water-based media, so warm soapy water easily removes the pigment and refreshes the bristles. Oil-based brushes, in contrast, are used with oil paints and require solvents like paint thinner or mineral spirits to lift the paint; soap and water won’t fully remove dried oil paints. Because not all brush types are water soluble, the option that includes both watercolor and acrylic brushes as safe to wash with soap and water is the best fit.