Paint Brush Restoring

[Chadonis]

What household product can be used to restore hardened Paint Brushes?

[Hellyon]

To be honest these days I buy a set of cheap brushes, wrap them in cling film while I'm using them then throw them away.

If it's areally good brush or has sentimental value - soak well in paint remover, wash thouroughly and repeat. The paint remover will soften paint so you can gently 'scrape' the bristles with and old knife. If it's too dry there is nothing you can do.

[Chadonis]

Thanks for that Hellyone, they're solid so I recon its going to be the bin & just buy new ones. Thanks again

[Clanad]

Whoa! Before you throw them away, at least try this. In an old can or pot that you can dispose when done, heat an amount of regular vinegar sufficient to cover the bristles and soak the brushes in it overnight. It's Ok if the vinegar actually boils. Then, rinse them with warm water and put a cup of liquid fabric softner... any brand will do (I'm in the U.S.) into a gallon of warm water. soak the brushes, checking every 30 minutes or so for softness. Rinse well, wash with any good liquid dish saop, rinse and dry. Next time you use your brushes or new ones for that matter, wipe off excess paint and swish them in the fabric softner/water mixture... it'll just take a little swishing and they'll come clean...
Best of luck!

[Chadonis]

And I thought Clannad was just a Traditional Irish Band. I've still got the brushes so I'll give it a go over the weekend with the Vinegar & Fabric softener. Awrabest & Thanks Clannad.

[heathfield]

Interesting procedure, Clanad. I wonder who first discovered it?

As an alternative, here in the UK Mangers make a 'Brush Restorer' specifically for brushes that have ended up with hardened paint on them. Soak the brushes overnight, then clean them as usual. See it here.
Polycell used to make a similar product, but I haven't seen it around lately. Worked very well whenever I used it.

[Cannt]

I have heard that spraying them with WD 40 will also help