How do I get dried paint out of a paintbrush?

Question

I don't know what kind of paint it is exactly, but it says "premium interior paint" on the can, if that helps. I started painting my bedroom, got sick, and completely forgot to take care of the painting supplies. I would like to salvage the brush, if it's possible, and also the metal tray that you pour the paint into. Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Answer 1

Usually paint is water soluble nowadays, so soak it in soap and water, and use a comb or brush cleaner to get the paint out of the bristles. The brushes should be reusable. If it doesn't work (like if it's latex paint) then you need paint thinner and use the same method.

Answer 2

The brush you can kiss good-bye but you can save the pan and this is an idea you can have for later. Take your pan and cover the bottom of it with Aluminum Foil wrapping it up and around the sides while keeping it tucked into the inside corners. If you are using oil based paints this is especially good because cleaning is very easy. Just peal the aluminum foil off and throw it away when you are done. You can buy the disposable liners but don't mess with them. Normally they do not fit the pan you have.

The next thing you can remember is to dump the paint from the roller pan into the bucket when you are finished but leave the pan wet if the job is not complete. Place your roller and brush into the pan and slide it into a trash bag closing it up snug. This will keep everything moist for a few days and you won't have that problem again. If it's going to be more then a couple of days, take a couple of paper towels and dampen them to cover the brush and roller or paint thinner if it's an oil based paint before putting them in short storage.

What happened to you has happened to everyone so it ain't no thing.

Answer 3

I am not an artist but I do work for Sherwin Williams. There is a thing called "brush cleaner." I have seen it work miracles on brushes where latex and oil paints that have dried in them. From what I understand, similar raw materials make both artist paint and wall paint (acrylic, and similar oils). It might be worth a shot! Just remember don't even loan anything you expect to get back or expect to get back in the same condition. Even if you have to buy new brushes you have learned a good lesson from this experience! Good luck!!

Answer 4

If plain water doesn't work, try paint thinner that you can get anywhere. More than likely if the paint made you sick so quickly it is an oil based paint, and that's a lot of hard work to get off of anything- especially if it's a paint brush. If it is oil based, just throw it away and get new ones. It would save you hours of work.

Answer 5

Really, not worth your hassle to save this brush. You can put it in paint thinner and rinse it out. However, the bristles probably will not be the same. Then you'll be disappointed with the performance of the brush. If it has been sitting there a while, forget it, don't bother yourself, spend the $10.00 and do a nice job.

Answer 6

I would just learn my lesson and buy a new paint brush and pan. The make plastic inserts to go in the metal pans, they are disposable. I just usually buy the cheapest brush I can, clean it a couple of times and then throw it away.

Answer 7

use a stiff wire brush. it will take some work, but with time and a little muscle, it will come out. as for the paint tray, just leave it as long as its completely dry. or you can try to peel it out.

Answer 8

If you let it dry, you wont get it out. Go buy some new ones. Unless you are using cheap throw away brushes you need to clean them right away or you will ruin them.

Answer 9

It's not worth the hassle unless it was a very expensive brush. Just buy a new one.

Answer 10

dip it in paint thinner