Tips on How to Get Dried Latex Paint Out of a Brush

A clean, ready to use paint brush

Latex paint is especially nice to work with because it cleans up easily. Using soap and water you can clean up your brushes in a few moments when you have finished using them. If, however, you have allowed the paint to dry on the brush it will take a bit more effort to get the brush back into working condition. Since paint brushes can be fairly costly, the added effort beats throwing the brush away.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Wire brush
• Can or pail
• Water
• Paper towel

Instructions

1. Lightly pound the bristles of the brush with a hammer on a flat surface. This will help break up some of the dried paint, remove it from the brush and free up some of the bristles.

2. Comb out the bristles using a wire brush. Brush away from the handle, beginning at the base of the bristles and brushing to the end of the them. Do not brush toward the handle as this will damage the bristles.

3. Shake the brushes thoroughly to remove as much loose, dried paint as possible.

4. Fill a pail or can with white vinegar so that you can completely submerge the bristles of the brush in it. Place the brushes in and allow them to soak for two hours.

5. Rinse the brushes with warm water. Use your hands and the wire brush to comb out any remaining paint. Rinse the brushes until the water is clear and the bristles are free of paint.

6. Hang the brushes to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also find latex paint remover solvent at home improvement stores in lieu of vinegar.

References

• Ask The Builder - How to Clean Paint Brushes Video

Resources

• Home Depot - Paint cleaners, thinners & removers