How I restore paint brushes with stray bristles

Hello friends, it's Mindy here. Have you ever experienced the frustration of a paint brush becoming all frayed and frazzled? I know I have, especially when the brush is relatively new. Quality art supplies can be quite an investment, so most of us aim to make them last. Just a week ago, I purchased this fabulous brush—on sale, of course—and had only used it once. It's a small brush designed for fine, intricate details, and I was thrilled about how perfect it would be for the botanical paintings I intended to create. I was filled with excitement about my latest addition. Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of it in all its shining, new glory. I do cherish my supplies, but not excessively so.

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Anyway, while Aspasia and I were at painting class on Saturday, she inquired about the whereabouts of her favorite brush. Interestingly, she had developed a fondness for an outdated and worn brush that many would have discarded a long time ago. Despite its condition, she was creating wonderful pieces, so to each their own. Unfortunately, we didn’t have it with us, so she asked if she could borrow my new detail brush. I kindly asked her to treat it respectfully. Later that day, when I went through our supplies, my heart sank at the sight of that once pristine brush. I wish I had taken a picture when it was at its worst because it resembled a dandelion seed with bristles pointing in every direction. A word of caution: don’t place your trust in teenagers with your brand new or favorite brushes unless they know the proper care techniques.

Do you have paint brushes that have become rock hard due to dried paint and mediums? Even with careful cleaning, brushes can become uncompromisingly stiff. You might be inclined to toss them out, but there’s a possibility you can revive them with these three simple steps.

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Steps to Revive Dried Paint Brushes

1. Start with Dish Soap

Begin by using your preferred dish soap—mine is Cucina Lime Zest and Cypress—and gently rub it into the brush bristles. If the brush is rock hard, you may only be able to apply soap to the exterior. If it has some flexibility, attempt to work the soap deeper into the bristles.

Any dish soap or hand soap will suffice at this stage. I favor Cucina because it cleans well and is also effective for restoring my brushes.

While you work the soap into the brush, heat a pot or kettle of water until it reaches a boil. I enjoy using my Cusinart electric kettle for this step because it keeps the water hot until I am ready to proceed.

2. Pour Boiling Water into a Bowl

Next, pour the boiling water into a heatproof bowl, such as a Pyrex dish.

3. Swirl the Brushes in Hot Water

Take one brush at a time and swirl it in the hot water. Depending on how much paint or medium is embedded, the brush may soften quickly or remain stiff.

If it doesn’t soften after a minute, try rubbing the bristles against the bottom and sides of the bowl. I usually begin with gentle swirling, but if the paint doesn't loosen, I apply more pressure. Since the brush is already compromised, I don’t hesitate to be a bit rougher in my efforts to remove the paint.

This method generally works well to loosen paint from brushes. If your brush remains stiff, reapply soap and allow it to sit longer before retrying. It’s not uncommon for some brushes to require multiple treatments, and while I usually lose a few stubborn ones, this technique is successful about 90% of the time.

Afterward, rinse the bristles thoroughly with cold water and check for pliability. If they’ve softened, lay them flat on a dish towel to dry.

Frequency of Use for This Technique

As a working artist, I typically evaluate my brush collection a few times a year to apply this treatment. Although fixing them promptly is ideal, my busy schedule often delays maintenance.

I find I can use this method multiple times on my brushes without causing damage. Higher-quality brushes can usually withstand more treatments, but sometimes brushes won’t recover, which is worth considering, especially if they are nearing their end.

Repairing Frayed Brushes

If your brushes are starting to splay or fray, this technique can also help, even if they’re not hard. Boiling water might flatten the bristles and reduce fraying. If that doesn’t work, trimming the brush tips with scissors can restore their shape.

Cleaning Acrylic Brushes

Cleaning an acrylic brush may appear straightforward, but here are some tips to ensure thorough cleaning. For further insights, visit our page on Bent Head Paint Brushes.

Use Cold Water

Always clean acrylic brushes with cold water, as warm or hot water can set the paint quickly. This precaution minimizes paint clinging to bristles.

Soaking the Brush

When working with gel or matte mediums, which can behave like glue, a good stir in water followed by a brief soak can be beneficial. Though leaving brushes in water isn’t ideal, it aids in loosening the medium.

Selecting the Right Brush

Choosing the right brush can significantly affect cleaning ease. It can be challenging to determine which brush will perform best when shopping online or in stores.

Opt for Brushes with Shorter Bristles

I prefer brushes with shorter bristles, as longer ones tend to trap more paint and require extra effort to clean. Additionally, shorter brushes provide better control during painting.

Choose Brushes with Softer Bristles

Brushes designed for acrylic and washing techniques often feature slightly softer bristles, making them easier to clean and reducing paint congestion.

My Preferred Brush Brands

After trying numerous brush brands over the years, here are my favorites known for quality, ease of cleaning, and resilience.

Simply Simmons Brushes

Simply Simmons brushes are both affordable and reliable, making them a top choice for many projects due to their easy maintenance.

Simply Simmons XL Soft Synthetic Brush - Flat, Size 30 - $13.27
from: Blick Art Materials

Snap! Princeton Brushes

Great for beginners or those hesitant to invest too much, Snap! Princeton brushes provide quality at a reasonable price. I consider them exceptional student brushes.

Princeton Snap! White Taklon Brush Set - Short Handle, Set of 4
from: Blick Art Materials

Dakota Princeton Brushes

If you’re looking for higher-quality brushes, Dakota Princeton are my favorites! They hold up well and are excellent for paint application.

Princeton Series Dakota Synthetic Bristle Brush - Flat, Long Handle, Size 10 - $16.67
from: Blick Art Materials

Any Questions?

If you have any inquiries about fixing your ruined paint brushes, I’d be delighted to answer them! What paint brushes do you use that you’ve had success with? Please leave a comment below, and let’s engage in a discussion!

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