Draft:Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank

The Evolution of Paint Brush Cleaning

For centuries, artists have wrestled with the challenge of keeping their paint brushes in top shape. These delicate tools, especially those made with natural bristles, require careful cleaning to ensure they last and perform well. While specific methods have changed throughout history, the core goal remains constant – removing paint residue without damaging the brush.

Early Techniques and the Rise of Oil Painting:

Our knowledge of early brush cleaning methods comes primarily from historical records and educated guesses. In the earliest days of art, artists likely used readily available materials like cloths, leaves, or even animal skins to remove excess paint. As civilizations developed and permanent paints like tempera emerged, cleaning methods likely improved.  Some scholars suggest that early artists in Europe and Asia might have used water-based solutions or even mild solvents like vinegar .

The widespread adoption of oil paints in the 15th and 16th centuries presented a new hurdle.  Oil paints require stronger solvents for cleaning, and historical accounts suggest artists may have relied on harsh chemicals or abrasive materials – methods that undoubtedly damaged the delicate bristles .  A 17th-century craftsman's handbook even mentions both soap and water, and olive oil, as cleaning solutions, with warnings about the potential drawbacks of each .

The Rise (and Fall) of Wire Mesh Strainers:

The invention of wire mesh strainers in the 18th or 19th century seemed like a game changer.  These strainers offered a seemingly efficient way to clean brushes.  However, artists quickly discovered the abrasive nature of these strainers, which could snag and break delicate bristles.  This realization, documented in artist communities and forums, spurred the search for more artist-friendly cleaning solutions .

Modern Innovations and the Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank:

The 20th century saw the introduction of purpose-built brush cleaners, often featuring gentler materials and designs that minimized bristle damage.  These cleaners addressed the limitations of earlier methods.  The Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank, with its focus on removing paint particles without harming the bristles, stands as a prime example of this ongoing innovation in brush cleaning technology .

Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank

The Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank was invented by artist Leo Wrye Zimmerman in 1954 as a solution to the problem of cleaning oil paint off of brushes without damaging delicate brush bristles. It remains on the market today.

Development

Traditional brush cleaning methods utilizing wire mesh strainers pose a significant threat to the delicate bristles of fine art brushes. These brushes, traditionally crafted from meticulously selected and graded white hog bristles, possess split ends known as "flags." These flags are crucial for creating a soft touch and precise application of color.

Unfortunately, the abrasive nature of wire mesh strainers damages these flags through snagging and severing. This breach exposes the internal bristle components to moisture thus compromising the bristle's resilience, leading to brittleness and eventual breakage.. The Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank was designed to address this issue.

In 1954 Wrye designed the tank prioritizing the following principles:

1. Preserving Bristle Integrity: The design eliminates sharp edges that could damage the bristles.
2. Effective Cleaning: Gentle agitation promotes thorough cleaning without harming the delicate flags.
3. Sediment Containment: Clearances within the agitator allow dissolved paint solids to settle, preventing their redeposit on the clean bristles.
4. Convenience and Portability: A sealable lid ensures minimal solvent evaporation and facilitates safe transport.
5. Practicality and Affordability: The design prioritizes ease of manufacture and readily available materials.

Recognizing the need for a better solution, Wrye submitted prototypes and a custom cleaning fluid to Winsor & Newton, a leading manufacturer of high-quality artist brushes. Recognizing the efficacy of the design in addressing a common artist frustration, Winsor & Newton adopted the Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank, endorsing it through catalog inclusion and ongoing sales. The Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank, therefore, stands as a testament to innovative solutions that address the specific needs of artists while promoting the longevity and performance of their essential tools

Design

The Silicoil Brush Cleaning Tank consists of a smooth aluminum coil housed in a glass silkscreened tank. Stroking the brush across the smooth aluminum coil submerged in a brush cleaning fluid effectively exposes paint to the fluid's cleaning action with the gentle up and down movement of the coil. The color solids settle to the bottom, the flag is undamaged and the brush is properly cleaned