Do your dried-up paintbrushes look like this?

Before you throw them away consider cleaning them. Paintbrushes can be expensive; I’ve paid up to $100 for a paintbrush. If you’re in the painting business this could add up to a huge expense over time. Even if you’re not a professional painter you should Learn how to clean dried-up paintbrushes and save yourself a lot of money. I used to throw brushes away until I learned this method. Do this if the Paint is dried onto the brush

Distilled White Vinegar

  Fill a glass with ¼ cup distilled white vinegar. Heat it in the microwave for about 1 ½ minutes, Place the dried-out paint brushes in the hot vinegar. Set aside for about one hour swishing them around about every 15 minutes or so to help loosen up the old pant to clean dried-up paintbrushes.   If the paint is stubborn, use a wire brush to remove it. You can also use a pet brush or a hair comb if you don’t have a wire brush.

Clean with a wire brush

Here are a few tips to avoid paintbrush dilemmas in the future Dampen your paintbrushes before you start painting; this will help when cleaning them when you’re finished with your painting project. Wash your brush right away. Don’t let them sit with wet paint on them. If you need to take a break store your brush in a zip lock for up to one day won’t hurt them. Here are a few other methods to clean dried up paint brushes

1. Oil-based paint use – mineral spirits

2. Water-based paint, such as acrylic, latex, and watercolors – use water

3. Shellac: use denatured alcohol

4. Check the product label to make sure it’s OK for the paint you using

5. Condition your brushes with the water and fabric softener method.

For more tricks and tips, see these other paint posts:

How to get Paint out of Clothes

When to use Chalk, Latex and Oil-based Paints

The BEST Paint Brushes I’ve ever used

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Happy Painting!

Cheryl