The good news is the cleanup only needs to be done at the end of the paint project. Otherwise, wrap brushes and covers in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop them in the fridge when you take a break.

Cleaning a Paintbrush
Remove as much paint as possible from a brush by drawing a brush comb or wire brush through the bristles, then working the bristles back and forth across newspaper.

If you’ve used latex paint, wash the brush under running water, bending the bristles back and forth in the palm of your hand to work out paint.

For oil-base paint, soak bristles in solvent or mineral spirits. Tilt the handle to bend the bristles back and forth until the liquid gets cloudy. Repeat with clean solvent, then wash the brush with dish soap and warm water.

Shape the bristles with your fingers or a comb, then hang up the brush (that’s why most have a hole in the handle) to dry.