Can I use my watercolor brushes for acylic paints?

Question: Can I use my watercolor brushes for acylic paints!?

I am considering taking a class and I only have watercolor brushes!. I was wondering if it would ruin them if I use them!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

You can but I would not advise it!
I'm a professional artist and I have three sets of brushes!. One set is for watercolours only, the second set is for oils only and the third set is for acrylics!.
I do not intermix the brushes as the mediums do get into the brushes well up and into the ferrule where the hairs are collected and held!. Once you have oils in them it does not come out and it will not work as well in a watercolour situation because the strands are wider than the brush would be if it was only used in watercolour!. The pigments and binders of the different mediums do have an affect on the bristle/hairs of the brush!. If you have watercolour brushes then leave them for watercolours only!. Do not use those brushes on acrylics!. Acrylic is a polymer plastic, the medium will get into the bristles and hairs inside the ferrule and it will ruin the brushes for watercolour!. I don't care how much or how hard you clean them after wards, the brushes will not be as effective with another medium!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

You can use them, but you will more than likely destroy them fairly quickly!. Watercolour brushes are very delicate, brushes for both acrylic and oil are tougher, as the paint is thick, not like watercolour paint, which is pretty much just coloured water!.

I'd go and buy some really cheap hog-hair brushes for now, since its just for a class and you're learning how to use them at the moment, and save my expensive watercolour brushes!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

you canot use watercolor brushes for acrilyc paint you will ruin them!.watercolor brushes and acrylic brushes have to beused seperately cause bothhave diferent chemicals!
unless u could try but wash them when ur done using acrilyc paint!Www@QuestionHome@Com

If you are diligent in keeping your brushes rinsed totally clear, they will be fine!. If you allow any acrylic paint to dry on them, they will be ruined!.Www@QuestionHome@Com