Help! I've run out of thinners and I don't want my paint brush to go hard.?

Question

I've been painting the dinning room and will finish it tomorrow. The problem is that I've run out of thinners. Is there something that I can use so the brush will be ok until morning? - And how can I get the paint off my hands?

Answer 1

Keep the brushes in a pot of water and they will keep soft until you get some thinner, and if you have any nail varnish remover, use that to get paint of hands but wash immediately after that. x My other half is a painter & decorater............What ever you decide do not use oil!!!(as mentioned prev.)

Answer 2

If you are using paint thinner/turpintine then I'm going to assume it's oil based paint (you wouldn't use paint thinner for waterbased paint) your working with, then there are a few things around the house you may have as a substitute.

Mineral Spirits
Kerosene
Gasoline
Alcohol

If you don't like using gloves when you paint then scrub a dub dub.

Don't ever just leave your brushes soaking in any liquid overnight. The liquid soakes up through the ferrules and loosens the bristles then cracks the handle and brushes aren't cheap.

If you are going to continue painting for a day or so with the same brush or roller, then just keep them in an air tight bag (Ziplock). When you get ready to wash them then you can rinse them out under a faucet using a mild liquid soap.

Make sure to let your brushes dry out on a flat surface. Don't let water run into the ferrules overnight. I know I said that before, but I’ve spent a lot of money on brushes over the years because I was lazy as a kid and now I know a little better.

Answer 3

Wrap the brush in food wrap and or foil.Keeping it in the fridge will help but will smell it right up.If you're somewhere where it's cold right now leave it outside .Gasoline is a bad idea as it is a major fire hazard and will smell up your house if you use it indoors same for kerosene.As for your hands ,assuming the paint is oil based :margarine butter ,baby oil,cooking oil,nail polish remover maybe alcohol.If you want to add some grit to the oil try baking soda or a little detergent.Next time, I would advise you to get some hand cleaner with pumice at the hardware store that has no petroleum distillate and is orange based .Good luck!

Answer 4

Put the paint brush in a plastic bag be sure it is air tight. The brush will stay moist.

I usually put the paint tray, brush and all in a garbage bag and tie the ends up

Answer 5

Put it in ziploc freezer bag, or any other air-tight plastic container. As for getting paint off yourself, soak in a long hot bath - you deserve it! All of the paint won't necessarily come off, but it'll feel really nice trying!

Answer 6

depends on the type of paint..I have good luck wrapping the brushes with saran wrap..several layers and flattened out to squeeze out the air..the air will cause the paint to dry and harden...fold over any loose ends to keep out air..as for your hands..liquid dish soap..has stuff to break through grease..works well w/most paints...Dawn is the best

Answer 7

As for the brush put it in a plastic bag and seal it, for your hands try washing up liquid

Answer 8

paint from hands rub marge or butter into them and wash off. paint brush put in container ok warm water and washing up liquid.

Answer 9

Wrap plastic around brushes and seal with elastic bands or tape (around handles) This will keep them soft for a long time.

Answer 10

Place brush in a jar or tin of water, washing up liquid and a good scrubbing will clean your hands