Help! I found a brush with dry paint in it. Can I remove it?
DRIED ACRYLIC PAINT – Is it possible to remove paint from your brushes once dried? Tip on what to try and what to do instead.
*This post contains a couple of affiliate links to products I not only use, but highly recommend! Purchasing from these links means I might get little bit of of payment and I thank you!
QUICK TIP:
How to remove dried acrylic paint from brushes – Can it be done?
Well, sort of.
I’ve done this too many times! I wash my brushes thinking I’ve got them all and low-and-behold I come back to my studio and find one I missed and the paint has dried. 🙁
Unfortunately, once it has really dried, there is little you can do to get it all out.
If you find a brush with dried paint that isn’t too dry (less than a few days), then you can try to soak it in some rubbing alcohol. Leave it for a day or three and then see if you can wash it out and pick out the dry paint. It’s a chore, but sometimes you can save the brush.
Most of the time, if paint has really taken hold, the brush is a goner. I try to use el cheapo brushes (like these acrylic flat brushes) so if I ruin one, no biggie. Buy a couple sets and then you will always have fresh brushes!
My really good brushes (these Mottlers) I always keep track of. These are pricey, but my favorites – they work incredibly well for laying down super smooth coats and for finishing (glazing and varnishing).
You can try to use a professional brush cleaner/restorer. I’ve had mixed results with these and find some are mostly just alcohol.
However, if you really need to save a pricey brush, it’s worth the investment to keep a bottle of this around.
Hope that helps!
HOW TO PAINT UPSCALE ART – Beginner to Intermediate-Level Courses – Online art tutorials you can take to learn to paint like a pro!
Aleene's 26412 Spray Gloss Finish, 6 Oz Acrylic Sealer, Original Version
$6.07 ($1.01 / Ounce) (as of May 16, 2024 19:55 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Acrylic sealer spray provide a protective, clear finish Give a glossy luster to virtually any indoor or outdoor project A durable protective finish Applies clear and dries gloss Spray-on formula goes ono simply and evenly. Available in a 6 ounce spra... read more
Soucolor 72-Color Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core Artist Sketching Drawing Pencils, Drawing Supplies, Art Supplies for Adults Kids, Coloring Pencils Kit, Color Pencil Set, Gifts
40% OffWHAT YOU GET -- 72 colored pencils + 1 Soucolor pencil eco-friendly box. Convenient to storing and keep the color all visible, without any trouble finding the color you are looking for. PREMIUM PENCILS-- 72-color art colored pencils have soft leads, ... read more
Amazon Basics Fabric Markers, Assorted Colors, 8-Pack
20% OffMarker for writing or drawing on fabric; great for decorating T-shirts, shoes, bags, clothes, and more Includes a set of 8 fabric markers with bullet tips for making thick, even lines Bold, brilliant ink colors include red, black, blue, green, yellow... read more
9 x 12 inches Sketch Book, Top Spiral Bound Sketch Pad, 1 Pack 100-Sheets (68lb/100gsm), Acid Free Art Sketchbook Artistic Drawing Painting Writing Paper for Kids Adults Beginners Artists
33% Off【Premium & Tough Material】--Extremely strong toughness and durability of this sketching paper pad allows for erasing without damaging paper surface, so it can stand up to multiple drawings without warping or penetrating. This spiral sketchbook can be... read more
Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint in Assorted Colors (8 Ounce), 20403 White
$2.67 ($0.33 / Fl Oz) (as of May 16, 2024 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)CONVENIENT SIZE - This Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint comes in a versatile 8 oz size that is great for basecoating, stenciling, and so much more FUN FINISH - This brilliant acrylic paint dries to a matte finish - perfect for a variety of arts and crafts!... read more
Betem 24 Colors Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Pens Markers, Premium Acrylic Paint Pens for Wood, Canvas, Stone, Rock Painting, Glass, Ceramic Surfaces, DIY Crafts Making Art Supplies
$11.99 (as of May 16, 2024 21:09 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Please note that the packaging for this product may vary!!!We are in the process of upgrading this product，Some customers may receive the old Penholder while others will receive the new Penholder. However, please be assured that the product inside is... read more
Mod Podge Spray Acrylic Sealer that is Specifically Formulated to Seal Craft Projects, Dries Crystal Clear is Non-Yellowing No-Run and Quick Drying, 12 ounce, Gloss
$10.18 ($0.85 / Ounce) (as of May 16, 2024 19:54 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)CONVENIENT SIZE - This 12 oz clear acrylic sealer is a must-have to your art supplies GLOSSY, CRYSTAL CLEAR FINISH - When dry, this easy-to-use formula dries to a glossy, clear finish that will make your arts and crafts glisten USE ON MULTIPLE SURFAC... read more
GOTIDEAL Canvas Boards, 8x10 inch Set of 10,Gesso Primed White Blank Canvases for Painting - 100% Cotton Art Supplies Canvas Panel for Acrylic Paint, Pouring, Oil Paint, Watercolor, Gouache
33% OffSuper value of 10pcs 8x10" inch canvas boards. Each white canvas in this pack is already primed with 10 oz. of acid-free acrylic gesso. No prep necessary — you're ready to start creating right away.especially great for oil and acrylic color to keep y... read more
Crayola Crayons, Assorted Classic Colors, 24 Count
25% OffCRAYOLA CRAYON PACK: One box of Crayons with 24 Classic Crayola Colors. SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Crayola Crayons are popular on back-to-school lists, and great for crafts and school projects. CONVENIENT PACKAGING: Compact and easy-to-open packaging is perfec... read more
Bold Liquid Chalk Markers - Dry Erase Marker Pens for Chalkboards, Signs, Windows, Blackboard, Glass, Mirrors - Chalkboard Markers with Reversible Tip (8 Pack) - (Multicolored, 6mm)
$8.99 ($1.12 / Count) (as of May 16, 2024 20:23 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Fun and Easy to Use- Time to replace the old dusty chalk with bold neon color chalk markers Safe and Odor Free- Dustless, non-toxic formula is both eco-friendly and safe for use at home Comes Off Easy- When you’re ready to write & start fresh, a mere... read more