How to Clean a Paint Brush with Dried Paint
Posted on March 31, 2023
You have big plans for your Northwest Florida home’s interior. At this point, you have invested in interior painting tools and supplies. You may have even picked up paint brushes — and want to get the most value out of them.
To maximize the value of your paintbrushes, it pays to clean them properly. And if you know how to clean a paintbrush with dried paint, you’re in a great position to do just that.
How to Clean a Paint Brush with Dried Paint: 3 Things You Can Do
1. Get As Much Paint As You Can Off of Your Paint Brush
Take your paintbrush and rub it against the rim of a paint can. Do this several times, as it may allow you to remove the paint from the brush.
2. Use a Cleaning Agent
Pick up a cleaning agent that aligns with the type of paint on your brush. For water-based paint, you can use a mix of water and soap to clean your brush. If your brush has oil- or latex-based paint on it, apply paint thinner to it. For a brush with shellac or varnish, utilize household ammonia.
As you clean your brush, use your fingers to remove paint from the bristles. Wear rubber gloves when you do this to avoid getting paint or any cleaning agent on your fingers.
3. Thoroughly Rinse Your Brush
After you clean your brush, rinse it off with fresh water. Once the water runs clear through your brush, you’ll know that your brush is 100% clean.
Tips for How to Clean a Paint Brush with Dried Paint During Your Interior and Exterior Painting Project
If you are completing interior and exterior painting, it pays to plan ahead. That way, you can take precautions to keep your paintbrushes clean.
Here are three things you can do to keep your paintbrushes clean as you paint your home’s interior and exterior.
1. Don’t Wait to Remove Excess Paint from Your Brush
Use a soft rag or paper towel to remove excess paint before it dries.
2. Take As Much Time As You Need to Clean Your Brush
Allocate the time necessary to clean your paint brush properly. If you rush through the cleaning process, you risk mistakes that can cause paint to dry on your brush.
3. Use a Wire Brush
Get a wire brush if you’re struggling to get paint out of your brush’s bristles. This brush is inexpensive and makes it easy to remove paint from your brush’s bristles.
Need a Hand with Interior Painting and Exterior Painting? Partner with CertaPro Painters® of Northwest Florida
Cleaning your paintbrushes with dried paint will help you start your painting project. However, the brushes may not have the same quality as when they were brand new. Make your life easier by calling CertaPro Painters® of Northwest Florida to handle your painting project.
CertaPro Painters® of Northwest Florida has received dozens of positive customer reviews. Your satisfaction is our top priority as we paint your home’s interior and exterior. Contact us at (850) 331-7693 to learn more or request a free estimate.
