How to Revive Damaged Brushes

Reviving damaged brushes can extend their life and restore their performance. Here are some steps to help you bring your brushes back to life:

Cleaning Hardened Bristles

Soak in Warm Soapy Water: Soak the brush in warm, soapy water for a few hours to soften hardened paint.

Use Brush Cleaner: Apply a specialized brush cleaner or mild soap directly to the bristles.

Gently Work Through Bristles: Use your fingers or a brush comb to gently work through the bristles, removing any remaining paint.

Reshaping Bent Bristles

Dip in Hot Water: Dip the bristles in hot (not boiling) water for a few seconds to soften them.

Reshape with Fingers: Gently reshape the bristles with your fingers while they are still warm.

Cool and Set: Rinse with cold water to set the new shape and let dry flat.

Removing Stubborn Paint

Use Solvent: For oil-based paints, soak the brush in an appropriate solvent like mineral spirits or turpentine.

Work Through Bristles: Swirl the brush in the solvent and use a brush comb to remove stubborn paint particles.

Follow Up with Soap and Water: Wash with mild soap and lukewarm water afterward.

Conditioning Natural Bristle Brushes

Apply Hair Conditioner: Occasionally apply a small amount of hair conditioner or specialized brush conditioner to natural bristle brushes.

Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water after conditioning.

Conclusion

To revive damaged brushes, clean hardened bristles, reshape bent ones using hot water, remove stubborn paint with solvents, and condition natural bristle brushes regularly. These steps can help restore your brushes' functionality and extend their lifespan.