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Tip - Cleaning old, hard, tired brushes

504 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  JLawrence08648
Lacquer Thinner - The best cleaner for old brushes or brushes that have harden paint. I also use it every so often to deep clean clean brushes.

Be careful, it's potent, wear glasses, do not use near a flame, do not use where there is a furnance, use in a ventilated area. It also evaporates, keep the cap on. DO NOT fill to the ferrule. The LT will dissolve the glue that holds the bristles. It's reusable, filter through a funnel with a paper towel as the membrane. I use a wire brush immediately after to clean the bristles. It starts working immediately. You may only need to let the brush sit for a few minutes, sometimes longer, sometimes periodically pulling the brush out to use the wire brush before putting it inn the lacquer thinner again.

I do not use this everytime! Only as necessary.
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Consider a paint filter from NAPA rather than screwing around with paper towels. If the filter rating isn't fine enough at least you'll have the filter base to set your favorite towel in.

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I'll check out my local NAPA or auto paint supply.
harbor freight sells those dirt cheap if you have one nearby
harbor freight sells those dirt cheap if you have one nearby
Yes I do, Thanks, I didn't even think about HF.
Are you using the lacquer thinner to clean brushes that were used with latex or oil paints?
Are you using the lacquer thinner to clean brushes that were used with latex or oil paints?
Both. People give me brushes crapped up, as I walk my neighborhood I pick them up from the garbage, I clean them then I use them and periodically when I feel they are getting stiff, paint at the foot, a little too much paint in the bristles, not performing as it should, I soak therm in lacquer thinner again then use the wire brush.
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