Don’t toss that paintbrush
This Is A Hammer
Q: I enjoyed your recent article on techniques that make it easier to restore paintbrushes. You didn’t mention oil-based paints and varnish. What would you recommend? — Mario F., via e-mail
A: Naturally, the best way to keep paintbrushes in top shape is to clean them immediately after use. But even the most disciplined painters will leave a brush out too long or store it bristles-down, so that it becomes misshapen. It happens.
Brushes with dried oil-based paints should be dipped into a container of paint thinner, mineral spirits (also called white spirits) or another solvent such as turpentine.
These thinners put out a lot of fumes and are very flammable, so use only in a well-ventilated area (away from common living areas) and well away from all other flammable materials.
•Dip the dried brush into the solvent and keep it in just long enough to saturate the bristles. Then, either place it on a flat surface (protected by newspaper) or suspend it bristles-down by passing a wire through the hole in the handle and hanging the wire up.
•Don’t soak the brush in the solvent container, and don’t rest the brush on its bristles. Periodically check the brush to see if the dried paint is softening up. Dip it in the solvent again if necessary.
•When the paint begins to soften, carefully run the spiky side of a cleaner tool (available at paint stores) through the brush, being careful not to tug out bristles.
•Repeat this process as needed. Brushes that have become misshapen can be very difficult to straighten out. The only thing to do is clean them thoroughly, store properly, and then use on your next job. The painting action often works the bristles into a somewhat straight position.
HOME TIP: Paint thinner, mineral spirits and solvents can be reused. Let the thinner rest in a closed container until the solid materials have settled to the bottom. Carefully pour the clear thinner into another container and save it for the next job.