THE OILED WOOD MAINTENANCE CYCLE – SOLIA AND SOLIA+

Which Cleaners to use for Oiled Wood?

Maintenance is often a barrier when it comes to choosing your floor protection.  At LIGNA®we are convinced that an oiled floor is an excellent choice.  We, therefore, want to give you the tools and advice to facilitate your understanding of the life cycle of oiled wood.  In this article, we will summarize the difference between SOLIA and SOLIA+ and how to use them well.

With LIGNA®’s maintenance bundle, you will be a professional in the maintenance of oiled wood.

Was your floor oiled at the factory? If so, no problem at all!  The LIGNA® range of maintenance products is designed for both field-applied oils and pre-oiled wood.

STEP 1 • SOLIA – REGULAR CLEANER FOR OILED WOOD

SOLIA is the symbol of our cleaning products. It is the solution for a weekly maintenance of oiled woods.  On the one hand, you can use it for your daily cleaning, but in addition, you can also use it for small daily messes.  It cleans and degreases, leaving no residue on the surface.  If you have an oiled floor, you should have a bottle of SOLIA at home!

SOLIA is a concentrated product to be diluted in water.  You will only need one or two capfuls per litre of water to wash your surface.  The dirtier it is, the more capfuls (reasonably) you will need.

It has a pleasant smell and is VOC-free.  Furthermore, you don’t need to rinse it out!  Isn’t that just marvellous?

SOLIA is not just a simple cleaner; its solvent-free composition and neutral pH cleans without damaging the surface.  Made from coconut and soybean oils, it hydrates the wood and prevents the surface from drying out.  It will help keep your wood beautiful over a longer period.


STEP 2 • SOLIA+ PROTECTIVE CLEANER FOR OILED WOOD

SOLIA+ is a monthly protector that is used in rotation with SOLIA.  It is also composed of coconut and soybean oils, but additionally, it is supplemented with vegetable wax.  This wax creates a thin layer of protection on the surface of the wood preventing it from absorbing the original oil.  It is normal that over time, the oil seeps deeper through the wood, giving way to the wax which will protect your oiled wood surface better and longer.  In addition, the wax makes the surface soft to the touch and increases its durability.

It is possible to give a little shine with a mop during its application.  The satin matte appearance of your floor will therefore be preserved.  To avoid creating too much difference in lustre, we recommend applying it over the entire surface and not just locally.

SOLIA+ is ready to use and is available with a spray for ease of application. 

Why not just do the maintenance with SOLIA+?   This product is not designed for regular maintenance.  The build-up of wax on an oiled floor can create a thick film on the surface which causes white marks.  If this happens, don’t worry, your floor is still intact and protected.  This wax film can be easily removed with the EXTREMO cleaner.


During the first year after applying oil, you will need no other product.  If after a visual assessment there are no signs of wear or stains, you can continue your maintenance as described in STEP-1 • SOLIA and STEP-2 • SOLIA+.

As soon as your oiled wood surface shows stains or signs of wear, you should follow STEP-3 • EXTREMO and STEP-4 • GENERIO.

THE OILED WOOD MAINTENANCE CYCLE – EXTREMO AND GENERIO


If you are concerned about the maintenance of your wood floor, give us a call! It will be our pleasure to advise you.

OILS OF NATURAL ORIGIN FOR WOOD
BY: EVO HOME FINISHING

HOW TO CARE FOR OILED WOOD WITH LIGNA® MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS!

Understanding the right technic for the maintenance of oiled wood!

Housekeeping is not always our cup of tea!  After spending time, money and energy redecorating, it is quite normal to want to get the right cleaning products so that your new space will stay beautiful for longer.  An oiled floor requires special care.  We have all the products you need from the small maintenance task to the heavy-duty industrial clean.  Here, we will help you understand how to maintain oiled wood using the OILED WOOD MAINTENANCE CYCLE.

Before beginning:  A little theory!

Wood is a living material, even though the tree has been cut back and forth for years.  Hardwood floors contract or expand with humidity and ambient temperature; it’s a natural fluctuation.  We must therefore find a product that remains flexible but stays resistant!

The difference between an Oil and a Varnish

  • A varnish is a film-forming product:  Which means that to protect the wood, the product dries on the surface, creating a film of a hardness that varies depending on the varnish chosen.  Several synthetic components are added to it to increase its flexibility and grip.  When it is worn, it must be replaced.  A complete sanding of the surface is necessary to give 3 new coats of varnish.  
  • An oil is a penetrating product: Which means that it nourishes the wood by protecting it from the inside.  It penetrates the pores of the wood and this is what allows it to follow the climatic variations that the material undergoes during the year without peeling or cracking.  LIGNA® oils are applied easily in a single coat or two depending on the oil chosen.  When your surface is worn, you simply need to clean it with the right product before applying a new coat of oil on top of the old one.

The importance of the OILED WOOD MAINTENANCE CYCLE

The wood acts like a sponge.  It absorbs oil, which nourishes it by preventing it from cracking and tarnishing.  In addition, the oil saturates the pores of the wood and protects it as well as seals it against moisture and stains.  Over time, wood continues to absorb oil, which decreases the waterproof resistance.  Using oil finishes is like an ancestral art and, like any great painter, we have our optimal recipes to preserve it and help extend its lifespan.

A MAINTENANCE CYCLE lasts 1 to 2 years depending on the use of your surface.  At LIGNA® we want to simplify all the life stages of your wooden surface and for this, we have developed 4 different maintenance products.  They will be used at key times, allowing you to extend the life of your oil.

  1. Clean – with SOLIA
  2. Protect – with SOLIA+
  3. Prepare – with EXTREMO
  4. Refresh – with GENERIO

To slow down the natural absorption of oil in wood, SOLIA and SOLIA+ come to the rescue.  Establish an alternating monthly routine during the first years of life of your oiled surface.  SOLIA will clean up your small messes and SOLIA+ will add a thin protective film on the surface.  Read the rest of the article in:

After you have established your routine with the products in STEP 1 and 2, you should evaluate the look of your surface.  If it’s still beautiful with an even colour, continue with your routine for another year.

When your floor becomes dull, the colour no longer seems even and stains become encrusted, that is the time to move on to STEPS 3 and 4.  EXTREMO is a powerful cleaner that will remove stains and GENERIO will revive the look of your wood surface.  Read the complete article here:


If your floor maintenance bothers you, give us a call! It will be our pleasure to advise you.

1 888 987-2885

OILS OF NATURAL ORIGIN FOR WOOD
BY: EVO HOME FINISHING

THE OILED WOOD MAINTENANCE CYCLE – EXTREMO AND GENERIO

What Cleaners to use for Oiled Wood?

This article is devoted to STEP-3 • EXTREMO and to STEP-4 • GENERIO of the OILED WOOD MAINTENANCE CYCLE.  If your oiled surface does not show any stains or wear, you can consult the article on STEP-1 • SOLIA and STEP-2 • SOLIA+.

THE OILED WOOD MAINTENANCE CYCLE – SOLIA AND SOLIA+

Depending on the use of your oiled wood surface, you will not need to refresh the finish for 3 to 7 years for a floor and 8 to 15 years for a wall or for furniture. To enjoy a better and longer-lasting surface, complete the OILED WOOD MAINTENANCE CYCLE below:

STEP-3 • EXTREMO – INTENSIVE CLEANER FOR OILED WOOD

EXTREMO  is the magic eraser of the LIGNA® family.  It removes the tougher stains that SOLIA or SOLIA+ have not been able to overcome.  It also removes the black marks left by shoes as well as the white marks created by an over-accumulation of protective wax.

It is designed to clean an entire surface, but it can still be used locally, gently.  For local stains, it should be used with a mop or cloth.  Over a large area, you can apply it using a polisher with a red pad before refreshing your surface with oil.

If after using EXTREMO; if you see a difference in the lustre, you can make a local correction with SOLIA+ or GENERIO.

EXTREMO intensive cleaner is only used occasionally! Its application removes some of the original oil.  It removes traces of grease or wax to allow the penetration of GENERIO maintenance oil or a coat of refreshing oil.


STEP-4 • GENERIO – MAINTENANCE OIL FOR OILED WOOD

GENERIO is a waterborne hybrid product.  In other words, it’s a water-based oil (sounds strange, but true).  It is not a cleaner, but rather a maintenance oil that will give your surface a boost.

Using GENERIO allows your floor to stay beautiful longer by adding a very thin mist of oil to fill in wear and tear on the surface.  It revitalizes your wood by giving a lustre a little more of a satin gloss than the SOLIA+ without needing to polish it.  It is applied to a clean surface previously washed with EXTREMO to allow good absorption of the product.  Its hybrid composition results in a quick drying time.  It comes with a ready-to-use spray for ease of application.

Using GENERIO will save you time and money by extending the life of the finishing oil applied to your surface.

Why not use GENERIO weekly? Since it is designed to dry quickly, applying it too frequently can create a surface film.  This product is designed to penetrate the wood.  Apply no more than a light mist and use a slightly damp mop to even it out.  If the surface scratches easily after two hours, you have applied too much GENERIO. Simply remove the product with EXTREMO and repeat the procedure by applying less GENERIO.


In conclusion, the OILED WOOD MAINTENANCE CYCLE consists of 4 steps. Depending on the wear and tear of your surface, either new or worn, you will follow STEPS 1 and 2 or STEPS 3 and 4. If you see it is time to apply a refreshing oil, we have a perfect item for you:

HOW TO REFRESH AN OILED RESIDENTIAL FLOOR!


If you are concerned about the maintenance of your wood floor, give us a call! It will be our pleasure to advise you.

1 888 987-2885

OILS OF NATURAL ORIGIN FOR WOOD
BY: EVO HOME FINISHING

MARJO RENOV STEP 1: STRIPPING

As Marketing Assistant at EVO Home Finishing, I can talk with knowledgeable professionals in the renovation field. Since the purchase of my new home, I can put everything I have learned into practice.

I love my work and the diversity that it offers me. What I love most about it is the opportunity to share my experience with you! Creating, sharing and simplifying is what I do best.

Time to get busy:

How to deal with peeled exterior wood surfaces? There is more than one way to tackle the problem. In the end, we did the best we could with the tools we had. Here is how I handled it. ✨

First, you should walk around the installation to make sure that it is still in good shape. In some situations, starting over is better than putting a coating on wood that is damaged. A former colleague of mine used to say: “You can put lipstick on a pig, but it remains a pig’’. This analogy means that even if you put a very effective product on damaged wood, it will still be broken. Thankfully, my decks are fine, far away from Old MacDonald’s farm.

I wanted to avoid using harmful products to get rid of the paint. I was also unable to rent a professional sanding machine due to the COVID situation (It was early June 2020 at that time). I, therefore, decided to use RESTOR-DECK by LIGNA and a pressurized machine (which I borrowed from a colleague ❤).

This product is not exactly a paint remover, but it does dislodge what is embedded in the wood. In my case, it certainly was useful. Over 85% of the coating came off easily. Ms. RENOV was very happy. ✌

When I applied, the temperature was rather grey, cold and it was quite a wet day. I was suggested to dilute the product half-and-half with water or to use it pure when needed since my decks were wet and painted. While my boyfriend was using the pressurized machine on the side porch, I figured it was a good idea to start applying the product on the front porch, giving it time to react… I had no idea how long it would take to strip the first one. It ended up being much longer than I thought.

This product creates a lot of foaming! The purer the product is, the more foam there is. You must rinse off the surface to remove all of it. This is crucial to ensure that the finishing product will be absorbed into the wood!

YOU CAN USE A BRUSH OR A PRESSURIZING MACHINE

As a result, I finished the project, frozen and soaked to the bone, but at the very least it was done! I agree that this may not be people’s favourite part of the process, but it is crucial if you want to get it right.

I wish I had thought to buy a nice pair of rubber boots since the temperature was 6 degrees that day. My feet were crazy damp and frozen. The first thing I did when I got inside was to take a long hot bath.

HERE ARE THE FRONT AND SIDE  DECKS AFTER STRIPPING

Stay tuned for the next MARJO RENOV chronicle! CHRONICLE 02: SANDING

For more information on EVO STAIN REMOVER?

The multiple uses of BLACK SOAP!

BLACK SOAP is an ESSENTIAL multi-use and ecological soap to have in your home. For the good of the planet as well as that of your wallet, here is a non-exhaustive list of all the places where the BLACK SOAP can replace your regular detergent.

In addition to being an effective cleaner, we also have a lavender essential oil added version. A pleasant smell will follow you from one end to the other!

INDOOR USE

For floors and tiles

Thanks to its rich olive oil composition, BLACK SOAP cleans, sanitizes, nourishes thoroughly and makes all floors shine (tiles, ceramics, plastic coatings, marbles, wooden floors, etc.)

  • Directions for use: Dilute 2 tablespoons of black soap in 5 litres of hot water. Wash your surface (for an oiled floor; wipe off excess water). No need to rinse.

For the kitchen

BLACK SOAP is highly degreasing. It cleans and removes all grease stains on stoves, hobs of all types, stove hoods, ovens, worktops, sinks, cutting boards, etc.

  • Usage: Put a small amount of black soap on a sponge and wash. Rinse with warm water to remove grease stains.
  • Tip: When the oven is warm, apply black soap to the dirty areas, let stand overnight. Clean and rinse.

For dishes

BLACK SOAP also cleans and degreases frying pans and fryers. It preserves shiny stainless-steel pans. It also makes glasses shine in the dishwasher.

  • Usage: Put a little black soap on a sponge. Wash, then rinse with warm water. For the dishwasher, 1 tbsp. (15 ml) is sufficient.

For copper and silverware

It cleans and shines copper and silverware.

  • Directions for use: Dilute 3 to 4 tsp. (45 to 60 mL) BLACK SOAP in a bowl of hot water. Soak your items for 5-10 minutes. There is no need to rinse, simply drain and dry.

For the windows

BLACK SOAP cleans the interior and exterior windows for impeccable clarity and cleanliness.

  • Directions: Dilute 1 tsp. (5 ml) BLACK SOAP in 2 litres of hot water. Wash with a cloth and wipe dry with a squeegee or microfiber cloth. No need to rinse.

For leather

Thanks to its composition rich in olive oil, BLACK SOAP cleans, maintains and nourishes leathers (sofas, car interiors, jackets, saddlery, etc.).

  • Usage: Put a small quantity of pure BLACK SOAP on a clean cloth, rub and rinse with warm water. The leather thus regains its shine and remains flexible.

For laundry

BLACK SOAP can be used both as a traditional detergent in the washing machine and as a stain remover to overcome difficult stains before washing.

  • Directions: pour 3 to 4 tsp. (45 to 60 ml) pure BLACK SOAP in the washing machine dispenser.
  • Before washing: Place pure BLACK SOAP on the stain. Leave to act for 15 minutes, then put the garment in the machine (for stubborn stains, let the black soap act for several days, while waiting for the next load).

For the Fireplace

For the home BLACK SOAP effectively removes soot from the glass of all types of fireplace doors.

  • Usage: Put pure BLACK SOAP on newspaper or a cloth. Rub and rinse with warm water.

For paint brushes

It guarantees your brushes a long life and keeps the fibres beautiful. They will remain flexible and pleasant to handle.

  • Usage: Dilute a small amount of pure BLACK SOAP in lukewarm water and soak your brushes in it. The soap will help dislodge the paint, you can use a brush to wash it thoroughly.

For stains on fabrics

It removes stains of oil, grease and paint on fabrics. BE CAREFUL when a stain is accidentally passed through the dryer, it penetrates the fabric and is therefore much more difficult to remove.

  • How to use: Spread pure BLACK SOAP on the stain. Rub lightly and let stand for several hours. Repeat the operation then wash the garment normally in the machine.

For NATURACHAUX plaster

BLACK SOAP makes this decorative lime plaster waterproof and easier to clean.

  • How to use: Spread the black soap using a sponge or sprayer (diluted with 20 to 30% water), and smooth with a STAINLESS-STEEL TROWEL. Remove excess soap. Continue the operation until the support no longer absorbs soap.

EXTERIOR USES

For exterior structures and woodwork 

BLACK SOAP cleans, sanitizes and deeply nourishes galleries, flower boxes, wooden garden furniture, etc.

  • Directions: Dilute 2 tsp. (30 mL) BLACK SOAP in 1 litre of hot water. Scrub with a brush. There is no need to rinse.

For the garden 

BLACK SOAP is used on roses, ornamental plants, fruit trees, vegetable gardens, etc. It protects your plants from aphids, mealybugs, red spiders and many others.

  • Directions: dilute 5 tsp in a spray bottle. (75 mL) liquid BLACK SOAP in 1 litre of water. Spray this mixture on the infested plant. You can use it as a precaution.

For means of transport and outdoor leisure 

BLACK SOAP cleans and shines motorcycles, cars, bikes, boats, etc.

  • Directions: Dilute 2 tsp. (30 ml) black soap in a litre of water. Wash with a broom or microfiber cloth, then rinse. It is also used to clean the interior of cars, toys, tools, bikes, linens, etc. It cleans decks and hulls of boats, in wood or plastic. Recommended for its effectiveness and its non-polluting virtues.

For barbecues 

BLACK SOAP cleans the inside and outside the barbecue and also degreases the grates.

  • How to use: Put a little pure BLACK SOAP on a brush. Rub and rinse with warm water. For grease on the grates, put pure BLACK SOAP and leave to act overnight. Rinse.

For pets  

It gently cleanses and shines the fur of animals. BLACK SOAP has antiparasitic properties, so it helps prevent skin allergies (eczema, fungus, etc.). It cleans, nourishes and brightens the hair of horses.

  • Instructions for use: Wet your pet before placing a nut or two of black soap on it. Rub well, then rinse thoroughly until there is no soap left. In the case of pest control, repeat the operation leaving it to act for a few minutes before rinsing.
  • Other: You can use the BLACK SOAP for everything that comes into contact with your pet; maintenance of kennels, carpets, toys, etc.

For organic farming

It can be used to wash the udders of cows and goats daily before milking. BLACK SOAP removes dirt and sanitizes all equipment while being safe for animals.

  • How to use: Dilute black soap in 1 litre of hot water. Using a clean cloth, gently wash the udders of the animals.

For more details on BLACK SOAP read the blog:

Want to know where to get this magic product? Call one of our retailers:

Logo_EVO_Noir.jpg

WHAT IS BLACK SOAP?

BLACK SOAP is an ESSENTIAL ecological soap to have in your home.  Our black soap is made from potash and olive oil according to the Marseille tradition.  This product has proven itself in Europe, and we are happy to let you know! 

Unlike the traditional dark green, almost black version, our ÉVO BLACK SOAP is pale green in colour.  The secret of its colour lies in its slow and lower cooking! Besides being more eco-friendly, it makes it much more irresistible, right?

BLACK SOAP is a multi-use soap:

  • Solvent-free;
  • No colouring;
  • No preservative;
  • 100 % natural;
  • Cleans effectively;
  • Degreases;
  • Shines surfaces;
  • Disinfects without the need for rinsing;
  • Very economical concentrate;
  • Completely biodegradable;
  • Safe for mankind, plants and animals;
  • Respectful of the environment.

What makes BLACK SOAP so wonderful?

First: This product has a simple composition of potash, olive oil and water.  This makes it a soap without solvent, without dye, without preservatives and 100% natural.

✨ It is therefore completely biodegradable, safe for humans, plants and animals and respectful of the environment. ✨

Secondly: BLACK SOAP is not only ecological, but it is also an effective cleaner that degreases, shines surfaces and sanitizes without the need for rinsing.

Thirdly: BLACK SOAP is a concentrate which makes it a very economical product.

Good to know: BLACK SOAP is an excellent agent for sanitizing surfaces. It does not kill bacteria but dislodges them from the surface thanks to the power of the potash. That’s why it is such a good cleaner. You can combine it with several essential oils to change the smell or add properties.

  • Dilute 5 to 10 drops of citrus essential oils, with sanitizing properties, in black soap before cleaning the floors.
  • To leave a scent in your laundry, add a few drops of essential oils to black soap (lavender, tea-tree, etc).
  • In a spray bottle, dilute a tablespoon of black soap, 1 litre of water and a dozen drops of lemon or rosemary essential oils:  Practical to use, this “homemade” household product is ecological and economical.


Do you want to know where to get this magical product? Call one of our retailers!

HOW TO REFRESH YOUR OILED BALCONY WITH EXTERIA!


For English subtitles, please change your options ⤴

EXTERIA by LIGNA is an absorbing, vegetalble based oil for wooden exterior surfaces. Its pigment’s richness, composed of natural earth and iron oxide, makes the wood’s grit stand out and protects your wood from the sun’s UV rays. It absorbs throughout the wood, nourishing and protecting it from water, fungi, and rot.

EXTERIA is designed to protect your outdoor wood projects, vertical and horizontal.

What are the Benefits of EXTERIA?

One of many benefits for EXTERIA oil on a wood surface is that it is easy to refresh. Since its finish does not peel off, there is no need to deep sand, scrape or strip in order to apply a new coat. Simply lightly sand and wash clean before applying a refreshing coat.

When to Refresh your Outdoor Oil?

For horizontal surfaces, refresh every 1 to 3 years. For vertical surfaces, every 3 to 6 years. These indications may vary according to the use of your surface, its exposure to UV rays and bad weather conditions.

What are the best Weather Conditions for Applying an Outdoor Oil?

Your wood surface must be clean and dry. We recommend a minimum of 24 consecutive hours without rain before beginning your project and 24 hours of good weather after application.

Like most of outdoor finishing products, you must not apply under direct sunlight. Furthermore, the temperature must be above 15°C during the day or night.

When is the best Time to Apply an Outdoor Product?

You can do the outdoor application during the whole summer if the weather conditions mentioned above are respected. If you apply in the morning, be careful of morning dew. If you apply during the day, make sure your surface is in a shaded area.

Tip : A good time in the day would be early evening.  You will not have the overwhelming heat of the day.

According to our experts, the mild weather and the low risk of rain in autumn make September the perfect month for exterior finishing projects.  Also, the month of June, when it is mild is also an excellent choice.

What you Need to Refresh your Surface:

PREPARATION :

APPLICATION :

CLEANING :

1) PREPARATION :

a) You will need to start your refreshing project by cleaning your surface with EXTROLIA Outdoor Wood Cleaner. Make sure there is no rubbish and no unknown substances on your surface.

b) Mix the colored and natural oil separately.

c) Calculate the quantities of products you will need for your project and mix 25 to 50% of EXTERIA colored with EXTERIA Natural. You may apply 100% colored oil, but it will darken your color. The natural application alone will renew the protection against water, but not against UV rays.

To keep a beautiful uniform color, we recommend that you first make small localized repairs before the application of the refreshment coat.

2) APPLICATION :

a) Empty a small portion of the oil into a plastic paint tray to keep the contents of your container clean for future use.

b) Brush cut the smaller areas before application.

c) Apply using a Micro-Fibre Applicator in the direction of the grain of the wood. You may need more than one refill depending on the size of your surface.

d) EXTERIA should be well spread to avoid over-accumulation of product that could become sticky when drying. The oil is designed to penetrate the wood and a thin coat is enough.

e) You will have to work by zones since you must not allow the product to dry before wiping. Do not worry, EXTERIA does not create overlapping marks.

3) WIPING:

a) After 5 to 15 minutes maximum, With a clean white bleached cotton cloth, wipe in the direction of the grain of the wood to help the oil absorption and to remove the surplus.

b) For a more pleasant wiping, we suggest you use knee protectors as well as shoe covers to protect the fresh oil. You can improvise protections with Bleached Coton Linens. You can also make a makeshift tool with an applicator covered with bleached cotton linens to facilitate this step.

Do not wait more than 15 minutes as the oil may become thicker and will be more difficult to wipe.

4) CLEANING :

a) Clean your tools with ISO-DILUANT by LIGNA.

Note:  Flaxseed oil in EXTERIA can react to prolonged contact with cotton. When finished, carefully place the cloths in a bag filled with water or dry them flat before throwing them away.

If you have clean oil in your container, you can pour it into a smaller metal or glass container. The oil will tend to create a film (skin) on the surface over time. To avoid this, place a plastic wrap directly in contact with the oil.

Make sure to print and retain the Technical Data Sheet and note the colour.

For your safety, always identify your containers and store them in a dry and secure place, away from children’s reach.

Remember to dispose of your containers at an Eco-Center in your area.

5) MAINTENANCE:

a) We advise periodic maintenance with an outdoor wood cleaner such as EXTROLIA.

Note : For best maintenance quality, we recommend applying with a rag, a very thin coat of natural EXTERIA.  This will help protect the colour as well as fortify the water repellent protection.  This simple optional procedure will delay the need to refresh or repair your surface.

b) When the surface becomes dull and starts to fade, it’s time to apply a refreshment coat. Wait 72 hours before replacing your chairs and Bar BQ.

plancher patio bois huile

OILS OF NATURAL ORIGIN FOR WOOD
BY: EVO HOME FINISHING

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES WITH BLACK SOAP!

Black soap is one of those products that I would not separate anymore. I could praise about it’s many uses, but that’s not what interests us on this blog. Today I will answer this question, how to clean your brushes with black soap. It may seem simple and yet a few small details can significantly reduce the life of our dear brushes.

How to clean your brushes with black soap?

It’s almost intuitive. Put pure black soap directly on your brush and massage the hair. You do not need a big amount of product, maximum one teaspoon. Rinse with warm water and already, you should see most of the paint coming out of the brush. If you have left your brush a little too long in the open air, you will probably need a brushing tool and more determination to remove the dried residues.

Massage deep under lukewarm water to remove the paint that has embedded inside. Some types of brushes are designed to hold a significant amount of products so you may need a second wash with black soap. Dont be shy to manipulate your brush until there is only clear water left.

For English subtitles, please change your options ⤴

You should repeat the procedure as long as there is paint. Dark pigmented paint may slightly color the hair over time. It will not influence your paint colors in future uses.

Warning ! Do not use whatever product.

Washing your brushes with dish soap or hand soap is not the best idea. Of course they will be clean, but in the long run you may have bad surprises. Some soaps will tend to leave a protective film and eventually it will become sticky on your brushes hairs. As a result, the grime will be harder to remove.

The brushes hairs are almost as capricious as your own hair. Using soap that is too abrasive or designed to “degrease” will dry them out. Black soap is eco-friendly and effective, so why not?

How to store your brushes?

We all have this tendency to put our brushes upside down to let them dry. We love to have quick access to our tools when we work. The problem of this method results from the fact that the water contained in the hairs will tend to go down. Thus, the glue at the base of the hairs will be damaged. The best is to hang them upside down when drying, than the hairs will keep their shape and not bend.

Black soap will help nourish the natural bristles of your brushes, thanks to its olive oil composition. After cleaning, I put a small drop of black soap on the outer hairs to help restore their original shape and keep their flexibility.

The best is to leave them upside down at any time, but hey, once dry you can make a beautiful bouquet according to your pleasure. 🙂