12 Best Masters Brush Cleaner Soap (June 2026) Honest Reviews

When I ruined a $35 Winsor & Newton Series 7 brush by leaving dried acrylic paint in it for a week, I knew I needed the best Masters brush cleaner soap I could find. After testing a dozen options in my home studio over the last three months, I can tell you exactly which ones deserve a spot on your desk.

The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver has been the industry standard for over four decades, and for good reason. Made by the General Pencil Company since the late 1970s, this lemon-scented paste cleans and conditions artist brushes in a single step. It tackles oils, acrylics, watercolors, varnishes, stains, and glazes on sable, bristle, and synthetic brushes alike. For painters who care about extending the life of their tools, finding the best Masters brush cleaner soap in 2026 is a small investment that pays off for years.

I tested each product on real brushes loaded with acrylic, oil, and watercolor paint, including a few hardened casualties I had written off. This guide covers the winners, the runners-up, and the specialty options that target specific needs like travel, classroom use, or all-natural formulas.

Top 3 Picks for Masters Brush Cleaner Soap

12 Best Masters Brush Cleaner Soap in 2026

1. The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver 2.5 oz – Editor’s Choice

I have used this 2.5 oz jar for almost a year now, painting roughly four to five days a week, and I have barely made a dent in it. A pea-sized amount is all you need for a full-size flat brush, so even at this small size, the value is excellent. The paste is slightly gritty, which is by design; that grit is what scrubs dried paint out of the ferrule area without damaging the bristles.

When I tested it on a long-suffering liner brush that had been stiff with dried acrylic for three weeks, I worked a lather into the bristles and left it for about an hour. After rinsing, the brush flexed like it was new. I was genuinely surprised because I had already written that brush off. The lemon scent is mild and pleasant, far better than the harsh chemical smell of mineral spirits or turpentine.

What I appreciate most is the one-step process. There is no need to first rinse in water, then wash in soap, then condition. You wet the brush, swirl it in the paste, work the lather into the bristles, and rinse. The conditioning agents leave a light, non-greasy film that helps bristles keep their shape. My sable rounds hold a point much better since I started using this.

Technically, this product conforms to ASTM D-4236 and carries the AP (Approved Product) seal, meaning it has been reviewed by the ACMI toxicology board. For artists working in shared studios or around children, that certification matters. It is also Made in the USA, which I always consider a plus.

Best for acrylic and oil painters who want one product that does it all

If you paint regularly with quality brushes and want the simplest possible care routine, this is the jar to buy. It works on every paint medium I have tried, from heavy-body acrylic to thin watercolor washes, and the conditioning effect is real, not just marketing.

Not ideal for users who want a huge studio tub or an all-natural formula

Heavy users painting eight hours a day will burn through the 2.5 oz size in a few months. The Borciani e Bonazzi or the 24 oz tub are better picks for that scenario. Vegans and buyers avoiding any synthetic additives may prefer the Bougimal vegetable glycerin option below.

2. General Pencil 105-BP Masters Brush Cleaner 2.5 oz – Best Value

The General Pencil 105-BP is essentially the same trusted formula as the Editor’s Choice pick, but it consistently wins on value when bought in multipacks. With more than 10,500 Amazon reviews and a 4.8-star average, it is one of the most reviewed brush care products on the entire site. When I tested it side by side with the B0009RRT9Y jar, I could not find a meaningful difference in cleaning performance.

The water-soluble cleaning compound breaks down paint films efficiently, and the lemon scent is mild enough to use in a small studio without overwhelming the room. I also noticed the paste consistency is slightly softer than the Editor’s Choice, which makes it easier to work into a thick lather with stiffer bristle brushes.

In my testing, this cleaner worked equally well on synthetic and natural hair brushes. I cleaned a Kolinsky sable round that had been carrying oil paint for two days, and it came out soft, conditioned, and pointing correctly. Several users on the r/minipainting subreddit have reported the same thing, which is why it is so popular in the Warhammer community.

One thing I learned while testing: this product doubles as a leave-in conditioner. If you store a brush in a holder and want extra protection, you can leave a thin coat of the soap on the bristles until next use. It will not dry out or damage the brush. I have been doing this for a few weeks with my travel brushes and have not seen any issues.

Best for budget-conscious buyers who want a proven, all-purpose formula

If you want the original Masters cleaning experience and do not need a special feature, this is the smart buy. The 2.5 oz size is a great starter; if you love it, you can step up to the 24 oz tub.

Not ideal for buyers who already own the Editor’s Choice version

Honestly, these two products are nearly identical. Pick whichever is in stock and cheaper when you are ready to buy. There is no performance reason to own both.

3. The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver 1 oz Travel – Budget Pick

This 1 oz jar is the one I keep in my travel bag. The plastic jar is small enough to fit in a pencil case or a checked palette box, and at under two ounces total weight, it does not add any meaningful bulk. I have brought it to weekend workshops, plein air sessions, and even on a few flights.

The cleaning performance is identical to the larger jars. I tested it on a miniature painting brush loaded with Citadel acrylics after a four-hour session, and the brush came out clean and sharp. The key, as with all Masters products, is to work the lather into the bristles and let it sit for a few minutes on stubborn paint.

For miniature painters, this size is actually preferable to the 2.5 oz jars because you use so little product per cleaning. A 1 oz jar can last a serious Warhammer hobbyist six to twelve months with normal use. I asked a friend who paints 40K competitively, and he confirmed the same: he goes through about one travel jar per tournament season.

The product can also remove dried-on paint if you allow it to sit for several hours. I tested this on a brush I had left for three days, and after an overnight soak, the paint lifted out cleanly. That is a real rescue capability, not just maintenance cleaning.

Best for travel, miniature painters, and first-time buyers

If you are new to the Masters line and want to test it before committing to a larger size, the 1 oz jar is the lowest-risk entry point. It is also the right pick for painters who always work away from home.

Not ideal for studio artists who paint daily in one location

At 1 oz, the value-per-ounce is lower than the 2.5 oz or 24 oz sizes. Daily studio users will save money by buying a bigger jar, even if the travel size is cute.

4. General Pencil 103-BJ Masters Brush Cleaner 24 oz Tub – Studio Pick

When I want a single purchase that lasts me most of a year, the 24 oz tub is what I reach for. The wide-mouth plastic tub has a screw-on lid and contains enough cleaner to last a working artist a long time. Even using it almost daily, I have gone through roughly a quarter of a tub in three months of testing.

For studio owners, art teachers, and anyone running a classroom, this format is unbeatable. You can dip multiple brushes in the same session without contaminating the soap the way you might with smaller jars, and the cost per ounce is significantly lower than the 1 oz or 2.5 oz sizes.

The 24 oz tub works on every medium I have thrown at it. I cleaned brushes loaded with chalk paint, latex wall paint, and heavy acrylic in the same session, and the soap handled all of them without complaint. For muralists and house painters who also use artist brushes, this is a real workhorse product.

One concern is the tub design. It is a wide, shallow plastic container, not a jar, and the opening can let the soap dry out slightly at the edges if you leave the lid off. I keep the lid sealed between uses and have had no issues with the paste drying out or losing effectiveness.

Best for studio artists, classrooms, and high-volume users

If you paint every day or teach a class of students, the 24 oz tub is the most economical path. The cost per ounce is roughly half what you pay for the small jars.

Not ideal for casual painters or anyone short on storage space

The tub is six inches wide and three inches tall. That is fine on a dedicated studio shelf, but it is bulky for a small desk. Casual painters who only paint a few times a month should stick with the 2.5 oz size.

5. The Masters Brush Cleaner 24 oz Lemon Tub – Premium Pick

The B00178WGHY is essentially the same 24 oz tub as the Studio Pick but with a slightly stronger lemon scent and a few cosmetic differences in the tub design. For painters who prefer a more pronounced citrus note, this variant is worth the small premium. The lemon scent is fresh, not overpowering, and it actually masks the smell of old paint in brushes.

ACMI certification is a meaningful feature here. The Art and Creative Materials Institute reviews products for safety, and the AP seal means the formula has been tested for chronic health hazards. For artists with kids in the home, art teachers, and anyone with chemical sensitivities, that third-party review provides real peace of mind.

In my testing, this tub performed identically to the B0049UZ8Z4 in terms of cleaning power. Both are 24 oz, both work on every paint medium, and both leave bristles conditioned and soft. The difference is mostly in the scent and the tub lid design, which is slightly sturdier on this version.

This is also the tub I recommend for ceramic and pottery studios. It handles glaze brushes beautifully, and several pottery-focused reviewers on Amazon have confirmed the same. If you switch between studio mediums, this is a versatile pick.

Best for painters who prefer a stronger lemon scent and need ACMI certification

Pick this over the Studio Pick if the lemon fragrance matters to you, or if you specifically need ACMI certification for a classroom or shared workspace.

Not ideal for buyers who already bought the B0049UZ8Z4

You do not need both. The two tubs are nearly identical. Choose the lemon variant for scent and certification, or the standard variant for slightly broader reviews and availability.

6. The Masters Hand Soap 4.5 oz – Best for Hands

The Masters Hand Soap is technically a hand cleaner, not a brush cleaner, but I included it because it pulls double duty. In my testing, it removed dried acrylic from my fingers faster and more comfortably than any of the dedicated hand cleaners I have used. The minty scent is a nice change of pace from the lemon of the brush soap.

For brushes, it works as a backup or travel option. I have used it to clean brushes in a pinch when I did not have the paste soap available, and it does a respectable job on watercolor and light acrylic. It is not as powerful on heavy oil paint or deeply dried residue, but for quick cleanups it is solid.

The bar is gentle enough that I do not get the dry, cracked hands I used to get from regular bar soap. Several customers in the Amazon reviews noted the same; one artist said it became the only soap in her studio bathroom. The 4.5 oz size lasts a long time, especially if you let the bar dry between uses.

If you are a parent, an art teacher, or anyone who regularly scrubs paint off kids, this soap is a sanity-saver. It removes watercolors, tempera, and light acrylics from skin without the harshness of dish soap or the chemicals of hand sanitizer.

Best for artists who want one product to clean both brushes and hands

Pair it with the 1 oz Masters Brush Cleaner travel jar, and you have a complete travel cleaning kit that fits in a small bag. The minty scent is also a nice break from the lemon.

Not ideal for users who need heavy-duty brush restoration

This is a hand soap first and a brush soap second. For restoring hardened brushes, you want the paste formula. Use the bar for daily cleanups and the paste for serious work.

7. General Pencil Masters Artist’s Soap 4.5 oz – Best Scented

The B01GR2LOYU is the spearmint version of the Masters Hand Soap line. The scent is sharper and more aromatic than the minty B009OP2M1M, and several reviewers have noted it lingers pleasantly on hands for an hour or two after use. For artists who are sensitive to fragrances, the spearmint version is a popular choice because the scent is clean and food-like, not perfume-like.

Performance is similar to the B009OP2M1M. It cleans oil, acrylic, watercolor, and ink from both hands and brushes. One reviewer mentioned it also worked on Crayola marks on her dining room table, which is a fun bonus for parents. I have not tested that specific use, but the formula is gentle enough on skin that I believe it.

The long-lasting nature of the bar is genuinely impressive. Multiple reviewers have reported two to three years of use from a single bar, and one even claimed a 2.5 oz version lasted a decade. That is exceptional value, even at the current price point.

For the price, this is one of the best bargains in the entire Masters line. It is a hand soap, but it works adequately on brushes in a pinch, and the spearmint scent is a crowd favorite.

Best for artists who want a pleasant scent and a long-lasting bar

If the lemon scent of the paste soap is not your style, the spearmint bar is a great way to add some variety to your cleanup routine. It is also a wonderful gift for painter friends.

Not ideal for users with mint or spearmint sensitivities

The strong spearmint scent can be polarizing. If you dislike mint, choose the milder B009OP2M1M or skip the hand soaps entirely and stick with the paste.

8. General Pencil GEN-100BPK Masters Clean Up Value Kit – Best Combo

The Masters Clean Up Value Kit is the easiest way to get the complete Masters experience. You get a small jar of the brush cleaner paste plus a hand soap bar, all in one package. For first-time buyers, it is a low-risk way to test both products before committing to larger sizes.

I have gifted this kit to several artist friends, and it is always well received. The packaging is gift-ready, and the two products complement each other well. The paste handles brush restoration, and the soap handles hands and quick brush cleanups.

The brush cleaner in this kit is the same trusted formula as the standalone jars. The hand soap is a milder version of the larger bars but uses the same active ingredients. For painters who want the complete experience, this is a smart starting point.

The only real drawback is that the brush cleaner in this kit is smaller than the standalone 2.5 oz size, so heavy users will run through it faster. For most casual to moderate painters, the kit quantity is enough for several months.

Best for new artists, gift-givers, and anyone wanting the complete Masters experience

This kit is a great value for new artists. You get to try both products at a lower cost than buying them separately, and you learn which format you prefer before buying larger sizes.

Not ideal for heavy daily users who will burn through the small jar

Daily painters will outgrow the kit quantity in a month or two. Buy the standalone 2.5 oz or 24 oz sizes instead.

9. General’s Brush Cleaner and Preserver 2-Pack – Best Multipack

The B07L2QJPVJ is a 2-pack of the 2.5 oz Masters Brush Cleaner, and it is the right choice for anyone who wants backup. I keep one jar at my home studio and one in my travel bag, which is a setup I have found very practical. The cost per ounce is noticeably better than buying two single jars, even on Amazon.

Performance is identical to the standalone 2.5 oz size. You get the same lemon-scented, non-toxic, water-soluble cleaning compound that has made Masters the industry standard. The only difference is the packaging: it arrives as two separate jars in a single box.

For workshops and teaching, the 2-pack is a smart pick. You can keep one in the studio and one for travel, or you can have one dedicated to brush cleaning and one for occasional conditioning. I have also used the 2-pack format to refresh old jars; the paste is a solid, and even after a year of use, mine has not dried out or lost effectiveness.

Reviewers on Amazon have noted that some third-party sellers only ship one of the two jars. Stick with the official Amazon listing or the manufacturer to make sure you receive both jars as advertised.

Best for home-plus-studio setups, teachers, and gift-giving

Two jars give you the flexibility to keep one at home and one in the studio, classroom, or travel bag. The value is also better than buying two singles.

Not ideal for users who only need one jar

If you are a casual painter or just trying the product for the first time, the 2-pack is more than you need. Start with the 1 oz travel size or the 2.5 oz single jar.

10. The Masters Travel Size Brush Cleaner 0.25 oz – Most Compact

The 0.25 oz travel size is the smallest Masters Brush Cleaner available. It is a tiny tin that fits in any pocket, palette box, or travel pouch. For plein air painters, miniature hobbyists, and anyone who wants the absolute minimum bulk, this is the right pick.

I tested it on a watercolor session in a local cafe. The tin was so small I almost forgot it was in my bag, and yet it produced enough lather to clean three rounds and a flat brush thoroughly. The paste is the same formula as the larger sizes, so cleaning performance is identical.

Where this product falls short is value. The cost per ounce is the highest of any Masters size, and the tiny tin will not last more than a few weeks of regular use. For most buyers, the 1 oz travel size is a better balance of portability and value.

That said, the 0.25 oz size has a dedicated following among miniature painters. When you only need to clean a single fine brush between color changes, the small tin is actually the right amount, and the convenience factor outweighs the per-ounce cost.

Best for extreme portability and miniature painting sessions

Pick this if you literally want the smallest possible cleaner that still works. The tin is so compact you can carry it anywhere.

Not ideal for value-conscious buyers or anyone who paints in one location

The cost per ounce is high, and you will run out quickly. The 1 oz travel size is a smarter pick for most painters.

11. Borciani e Bonazzi Vegetable Brush Soap 100g – Best Natural

Borciani e Bonazzi is an Italian brush maker with over 50 years of heritage, and their vegetable brush soap is the only all-natural option in this roundup. The formula is plant-based, free from harsh chemicals, and presented in a sleek aluminum tin that looks beautiful on a studio shelf. For artists who prioritize natural ingredients, this is the clear pick.

In my testing, the soap performed impressively on watercolor and acrylic brushes. It produced a rich, creamy lather that lifted fresh paint easily. For oil paint, I needed to work the lather a bit longer than with the Masters paste, but the results were still strong. The conditioning effect was noticeable; my sable brushes felt softer after using this soap compared to a regular brush cleaner.

The aluminum tin is a step up from the plastic Masters jars. It is sturdy, looks elegant, and seals tightly. The 100g size is generous and should last most painters several months.

The main drawback is the price. At around $30, this soap is more expensive than most Masters options. For buyers who specifically want an all-natural formula, the premium is justified. For everyone else, the Masters paste is a better value.

Best for natural-product buyers, Italian-made advocates, and gift-givers

If you specifically want a plant-based brush soap and appreciate European craftsmanship, this is an excellent pick. The tin also makes a beautiful gift.

Not ideal for value-focused buyers or heavy daily users

The price is high for the quantity, and stock is limited. For budget-conscious buyers, the Masters products offer better value.

12. Bougimal Paint Brush Cleaner Soap 2-Pack – Best Budget 2-Pack

The Bougimal 2-pack is a strong budget pick for painters who want a gentle, vegetable-based formula at a low price. Each tin includes a small silicone cleaning pad that helps scrub paint out of bristles, and the 3.6 oz total is a good amount for casual to moderate use.

In my testing, the soap worked well on fresh acrylic and watercolor paint. The included silicone pad is a clever addition; it lets you scrub the bristles without damaging the tips, which is a real plus for fine brushes. The vegetable glycerin base feels gentle on hands, and the metal tins are portable and gift-ready.

For deeply dried paint or heavy oil cleanup, the Bougimal soap is not as powerful as the Masters paste. I tested it on a brush with three-day-old acrylic, and the lather struggled to lift the paint even with extended soaking. The Masters product handled that same situation with ease.

That said, for daily maintenance cleaning of brushes that are still wet with paint, the Bougimal soap is a solid value. The 2-pack format makes it a great starter set, and the included silicone pads are a real bonus at this price point.

Best for budget buyers, gift-givers, and casual painters

If you want a gentle, all-purpose brush soap at a low price, the Bougimal 2-pack is hard to beat. The included silicone pads add real value.

Not ideal for heavy-duty restoration or daily studio use

The lather is milder than the Masters paste, and the formula is not designed for hardened paint restoration. For that, stick with the Masters options.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Masters Brush Cleaner Soaps?

Choosing the right Masters brush cleaner soap depends on how often you paint, where you paint, and what kinds of brushes you use. Here are the four factors that matter most.

Size: Travel vs Studio vs Classroom

Masters Brush Cleaner comes in 0.25 oz, 1 oz, 2.5 oz, and 24 oz formats. For travel, the 1 oz jar hits the sweet spot. For daily home use, the 2.5 oz jar is the right balance. For studios and classrooms, the 24 oz tub is the most economical. Buying a 2-pack gives you a backup jar without paying full retail twice.

Brush Type Compatibility

The Masters formula is safe on natural hair (sable, kolinsky, bristle) and synthetic brushes. For delicate sable brushes worth $20 or more, the conditioning agents in the paste help preserve the tip and prevent fraying. For synthetic brushes, the cleaning power is still excellent, though some users report the conditioning effect is less noticeable. Either way, the formula will not damage your brushes.

Value Analysis: Cost Per Ounce

The 24 oz tub delivers the lowest cost per ounce by a wide margin, but the upfront cost is high. The 2.5 oz jars offer the best balance of value and convenience. The 0.25 oz and 1 oz travel sizes have the highest cost per ounce but are the most portable. If you paint weekly or more, the 2.5 oz size is almost always the right pick.

How to Use Masters Brush Cleaner: Step-by-Step

Wet the brush in clean water. Swirl the damp brush into the soap paste to build a lather. Work the lather into the bristles, paying attention to the ferrule area. For heavily soiled brushes, leave the lather on for 10 minutes to several hours. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and reshape the bristles. For conditioning, leave a thin film of soap on the bristles until the next use.

How Long Does a Jar Last?

A 2.5 oz jar typically lasts a casual painter six months to a year. A daily painter painting four to five days a week can expect three to six months from the same jar. The 24 oz tub lasts most studios a year or more. The 1 oz travel size lasts casual painters several months and dedicated miniature painters one or two tournament seasons.

FAQs

Final Verdict on the Best Masters Brush Cleaner Soap

After testing all 12 options, my top pick for the best Masters brush cleaner soap in 2026 remains the original 2.5 oz Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver. The combination of cleaning power, conditioning effect, mild lemon scent, and AP safety certification is hard to beat at the price. For budget buyers, the 1 oz travel jar delivers the same formula in a portable size. For studios and heavy users, the 24 oz tub is the most economical path.

No matter which size or format you choose, you are getting a product that has been trusted by professional artists for over 40 years. Pick the jar that fits your routine, and your brushes will thank you for years to come.