it really depends on the type of paint that you are using, acrylic (water-based) or enamel (solvent-based). the cleaning steps are relatively similar, just different items are used. acrylic paints are cleaned up with water. i always keep a cup of water at my painting station ready to clean out a brush. the moment that i am finished with a color, i submerge the brush into the water and swish it back and forth a few times. i then remove the brush and grab the bristles near the ferrule and squeeze outward towards the tip. this helps get paint from the center of the bristles. i do this step 3 or 4 times, or until it is cleaned.
with enamels, i use mineral spirits to clean the brush, much the same way as with water. use of mineral spirits or any solvent should only be done with adult supervision.
cleanliness of brushes is crucial. they are expensive, and at times, tough to replace. i have the same brushes that i have used to paint miniatures for about 5 years, and they still keep their shape and hold paint well.
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