Rescuing Your Paintbrushes From Dried Acrylic Paint

Every artist knows the feeling: you get lost in your creative process, time slips away, and suddenly you're left with dried-on acrylic paint on your beloved paintbrushes. Or you come in to your studio in the morning only to realize you'd left your paintbrushes uncleaned and crusty from dried acrylic. But fear not! In this guide, I'll walk you through a tried-and-true method for salvaging your paintbrushes using a household hero – isopropyl alcohol. So, gather your brushes, a small glass jar, and let's dive into the art of brush recovery!

Needed Supplies

Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary materials at hand:

• Isopropyl alcohol (preferably 91% concentration)

• Small glass jar or dish

• Warm water

• Mild dish soap

• Paper towels or a clean cloth

Set Up a Safe Workspace

Choose a well-ventilated area to work in, as isopropyl alcohol can have strong fumes. Ensure good airflow, and if possible, wear gloves to protect your hands during the process.

Prepare the Isopropyl Alcohol Bath

Pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol into your glass jar or dish. A little goes a long way, so you don't need to fill it to the brim just enough to cover the paintbrush bristles. The 91% concentration is ideal, as it's more effective in breaking down dried paint.

Swirl and Soak

Gently dip your paintbrushes into the isopropyl alcohol bath. Swirl them around, making sure the alcohol reaches the bristles where the paint has dried. Give them a few seconds to soak, and you'll notice the dried paint starting to loosen.

Rinse and Repeat

Once the dried paint begins to loosen, remove the brushes from the alcohol bath and rinse them under warm water. Use your fingers to gently massage the bristles, helping to remove any remaining loosened paint. If necessary, repeat the dipping and swirling process until the bristles are mostly clean.

Soapy Solution

After successfully loosening and removing most of the dried paint, it's time to give your brushes a gentle bath. Fill a container with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap. Swirl your brushes in the soapy water to remove any lingering alcohol and paint residue.

Rinse and Dry

Thoroughly rinse your brushes under warm water to remove the soapy solution. Gently pat them dry using paper towels or a clean cloth.

Accidents happen, but armed with isopropyl alcohol and a little know-how, you can rescue your paintbrushes from the clutches of dried acrylic paint. Others have shared other liquids to try, such as vinegar or even vodka. I haven't tried these yet, but thought I'd mention if you wanted to give them a go.

This method not only saves you money on new brushes but also helps you maintain the tools you've grown attached to throughout your artistic journey. Remember, a little preventive care goes a long way in keeping your brushes in top-notch condition and ensuring they're always ready to bring your creative visions to life!