Varnish and filler brushes can be cleaned with turpentine, benzine, naphtha, or gasoline, and then the turpentine or other cleanser may be put into the jar of filler, so that there is no waste. Shellac brushes can be cleaned with alcohol, and then the alcohol put into the shellac.

Water and spirit stains do not ordinarily stiffen the brushes so that they do not need to be cleaned after using. The brushes should be clearly labeled and hung up after using, and always used for the same purpose.