How To Clean A "Lifetime" Paintbrush

[@peterbrault6880]

That was water base paint.What about semi gloss enamel?

[@herrickkimball]

Oil base paint brush cleaning will be in an upcoming video. It’s on my list. 👍

[@graebeard6882]

For oils I soak in acetone, paint thinners something similar. No water or soap, just the chemical. Soak for some time, then I use either a wire brush or a brush comb.

[@jeremyrichards8327]

I think synthetic brushes are easier to clean than traditional bristle. I use your cleaning procedure up to using the wire brush.Will give it a try on my next job.

[@alienproductions9948]

Please do the oil-based version. I appreciate your great work.

[@John-y6b7c]

@@graebeard6882ppl

[@GFD472]

You'll never forget your first Purdy paint brush..... it pays to take care of them. Great tips!

[@michaelsix9684]

Wooster brushes are great too

[@johnhunter7386]

Great video! I'm a painting contractor. I have brushes that are still in use that I bought over thirty years ago. I always wash immediately with dish detergent and warm water and rinse and repeat until the water flows through the bristles clear. I will even rinse brushes multiple times during the day to keep the paint from hardening on the bristles. Also, try to keep paint from getting up near the ferrule.

[@Christy-ff4yn]

As a professional, don't you think roller waste a lot of paint? The last one I used took so much water to get the paint out. And it's so expensive now. Thanks.

[@maxquigley9524]

I've been doing this for 40+ years for water-based paints. I still use brushes that are that old. Also use a hair comb, both the coarse and fine-toothed ends. The paint brush also cleans the comb. After painting a house in the hot Texas summer sun it will take you longer than 2-3 minutes to do the job. You might have to resort to letting some paint remover soak into the almost clean brush while wrapped in plastic film, and then repeat the washing procedure.

[@marvinostman522]

Really enjoyed your video. It made me remember something from childhood (now 66) that my Dad taught me. It's like you say never loan your paint brush. My Dad had a big old black handled paint brush that he got from his Dad who he said had it as far back as he can remember. I think he said Grandpa used to paint barns. It still looked like new and was like "the hot stove" never touch it! He also passed on the same things you showed about cleaning brushes and roller covers. I've added some habits of my own like after you have cleaned it let it set until it is just barely damp then put it back in cover it came in help to keep the shape. Something I found that work good for reviving neglected brushes is to let hem sit overnight in water and "dishwasher" detergent. I like the powdered the best. I take a plastic container the brush will fit in and use a clamp or if it will fit the brush a clip clothes pin and suspend it so the Ferrell is just above the water. A couple of drops of Dawn dish soap helps too. Dawn was used to clean animals after oil spills not because it was "so gentle" but has one of the highest disalates which cut the oil but the animals were washed off right away it didn't harm them. I had seen a video about soaking hardware in dishwasher soap to remove old paint. Soak it overnight and the paint come off pretty easy. Thank you for sharing the knowledge. I like that you don't make it sound like "you" thought it all up. Some you probably have and rightfully should take credit for. One of the best pieces of wisdom my Dad shared with me when I was very young was "keep you mouth shut and your eyes and ears open especially around more mature people." I have done that and showed them respect and in turn received their respect to where the felt willing to share their treasure of knowledge.

[@burtan2000]

I just watched four different videos on How to Clean Your Paint Brushes! They mostly said the same thing. HOWEVER, the This Old House expert wants us to treat those bristles nice. VERY gentle. No WIRE brush. SOMETIMES when it's absolutely needed, use a paint brush comb, with metal teeth. But he said only soft bristles for brushing those paint brush bristles. I've been doing so much wrong. I'm gonna buy some new ones - some of the $20 brushes - and treat them right.

[@elizabethjohnson475]

Hi, Herrick and Marlene: Here on Johnson mountain, my husband's been still working full-time in construction, now 66 yrs old, and on Saturdays works on our "guest house" half way down the mountain. We call that location Bucket Hill. The house is about 900 sq. ft., pretty small, but fine for a rental. In this area will make $1500/month. It's an ongoing project of two years, kinda like your new construction, Herrick. It takes a while when it's not done full-time. Sounds like a friend in Idaho who's been building his log cabin, (log diameter of 18") for at least 3 years. It's been weathered-in for a couple years. He has to work full-time as well, age 64, in his business of construction. It just takes time for good things! Thanks for a great video!

[@dawnschumann8296]

Just as I've always cleaned my brushes. Glad to see you teaching this. Had a good teacher myself.

[@sameoldmphymel]

Those were good tips one thing I would point out is I return it to that plastic sleeve that it comes in to help it keep it shape so it doesn't puff out

[@deankay4434]

Nice brush cleaning tips. Just great. Word for powder room. Place a 2 X 6" inset into the studs, measure it, take pictures and install a grab bar in front of the throne at a slight angle. Planning ahead it will help as we age plus if screwing into structure behind the tiled wall, you will find it extremely helpful as time passes. Plus, changing door handles? Use the lever type that open with an elbow. You will find useful in a number of years! Thanks for the info!

[@michaelmcginty9335]

Pro tip: Always use cold water on latex paint , Hot water will cause the paint to set up on the brush while you clean it and make it harder to clean. Thanks for the video, good job.

[@graebeard6882]

For water based paints, I soak my hard dried brushes (somebody forgot to clean them) and soaked them in hot water and laundry detergent for a day or so. Then I cleaned them with a paintbrush comb. Works well

[@brettwicks7339]

Thanks for the paint brush cleaning tips , I'm in the process of painting my house now . All the best in your house renovations , Cheers .

[@victormarinelli5660]

I use liquid dish soap and gently rub the bristles together near the ferrule. Then I'll grab all the bristles and move then in a circular motion around the ferrule. This breaks up the paint that is under the ferrule, that you don't see. I have brushes that are 40+ years old. They don't look new, but they also don't have any paint on or in them. The key comments that Herrick made was to wash your brush periodically and don't let it sit. If you need to stop painting for more than a few minutes, wash your brush.

[@cheetoman23]

If your lifetime brush that has painted thousands of square feet and couldn't possibly be replaced in your heart has for any reason or another become a stiff hard mess of paint, you can soak it in acetone for an hour or so and the paint (latex/acrylic based) will be soft and removable. Also, make a special tool for cleaning deeply with thin but stiff nails. I hammer wire or trim nails through a thin piece of scrap (predrilled) and sharpen the ends of them with a file. It digs in really well, much better than nylon or steel wire brush.

[@kawikadee9670]

Thank you for the tip Uncle Pete and Uncle Herrick.

[@dlillianb1368]

Wow, that surprise behind the door is amazing! Looks great....thanks for sharing

[@dangermouse2977]

66666__645665666y6y666y____6

[@dscrive]

I wrap the paint loaded paintbrush up in a plastic bag and I am able to still clean it out like you did even after about 3 days, but you're mileage may vary. I'm not sure just how long the bag trick will keep, I let one go too long and it was ruined. I use that method so I'm not always cleaning the brush. And I think it's more time efficient to clean once at the end rather than several times throughout the painting project, but I haven't timed it so I could be totally wrong.

[@herrickkimball]

I used to do that. I also put the plastic wrapped brush in the freezer for even longer keeping. None of those brushes lasted me for as many uses and looked as good as the one I show in this video. But you're right... mileage varies, depending on all kinds of variables. Thanks for the comment. 👍

[@dustman96]

Pretty much exactly how I clean my brushes, good to know I'm doing it right! I don't use soap though. A trick I learned is to get fresh paint on the dried paint before you clean it, helps soften the dried paint.

[@cheeseheadfiddle]

Also when I’m painting exterior and I have my modest electric pressure washer set up, cleans a brush very thoroughly in about 20 seconds. Careful to use the water blast with the direction of the bristles just as you would with a wire brush or comb.

[@rajanne2947]

We just buy a new brush, they're quite cheap here, we try to use the brush and finish painting in 1 sitting, if possible, keep the brush inside the paint tin, stirring the paint with a stick now & then, adding the thinner as needed to make up for evaporation as you paint, and throw away the brush. I usually buy the cheapest brush. For delicate painting works you can't adopt this attitude you need a costlier fine brush and can clean it like you showed! My way saves a lot of time! Love from India!

[@charleywalker2982]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and keep your videos coming please.

[@gunterbecker8528]

Impressive work on the brush 😊

[@MRCRUZER19]

Rest in Peace Uncle BOB. Thanks for the videos😪

[@NPC2_4_U]

My father taught me how to do that over 60 years ago. To finish he (and I0) would wrap it in a piece on newspaper to shape it as it dried.

[@jeffsim8664]

This video shows how to clean that fresh brush What about the one that you forgot to clean right away. Maybe good intentions and you wrapped in a baggy but a week later its stiff. 2 things to try. Let soak in acetone in a jar or cup over night.. wash it out brush it out and acetone it again. Does a good job.. just be careful. Acetone smells strong and is flammable. Better yet and i just discovered this is murphies original oil soap. Same thing soak the stale brush over night do it twice. Water rinse.. youll have a brand new brush. And his first statement about buy the best brush you can afford. Absolutley 100 % correct. . .

[@hilbert551]

OMG, red trim! Only seen in Chinese restaurants Mr Herick.

[@freddysflyz]

Thanks for sharing this! I buy great brushes so I agree 100000% but using the plastic and brass bristle brushes is a super idea and new to me! I'll be adding them to my painting tool arsenal!

[@robalexander417]

I would have thought a brass bristle may damage the paint brush bristles. I also do exactly what you do except I like using an old tooth brush to clean the paint brush. The tooth brush is engineered to be gentle yet be able to clean "finely" like between your teeth. I also use a tooth brush and dishwashing liquid to remove grease, dirt and paint from fingers, hands, etc. Much more gentle plus way more effective than a regular brush

[@RayCooper-o7n]

Use cool water to rinse, hot or warm water will cure the paint hard.

[@michaelwilliams9358]

Like the advice bout never loaning out a paint brush. Have taken it a step further and hide the nice brushes as no one in my house will clean them properly feeling a plastic wrapping is fine for tomorrow's cleaning... Ultimately it's vastly cheaper to volunteer to paint rather than tolerate others destroying brushes, spatter, poor edging, etc. Love your chanel.

[@kaloncar]

Probably not going to use the wife's kitchen sink and vegetable brush, but I do appreciate the lesson. 🙂

[@erepsekahs]

A couple of the brushes I have are over 30 years old, they have been used mote times than I can guess at.

[@hwfranjr]

My Grand FATHER was a professional house painter and he was REALY touchy with HIS brushes,always kept them CLEANED and i NEVER saw him BUY a NEW one,lol

[@danielw517]

Thanks. I've never been able to get them clean enough! Any tips for oil based paints?

[@herrickkimball]

Get a disposable brush for oil-based paints. 😁

[@danielw517]

@@herrickkimball love it! 🤣

[@juanesteban8827]

I found my way here wondering the same thing about brushes used for oil paints. I'm currently restoring 75 year old windows and have found a good brush is essential for oil based paints. Unfortunately, even when using a cheap brush at 8-10$ per it can get expensive real quick. I found mineral spirits helps give you a little extra mileage

[@BlessingsfromNorthIdaho]

Great tip, thanks.

[@objuan6]

lovely new crapper! I have a similar project, similar schedule. looks good!

[@the_judge_8262]

Good bless Uncle Pete 👍🏼

[@Dan4052]

Great video, so thanks to you and uncle Pete. However, you didn't mention anything about conditioner. Do you use conditioners on your bristles to keep them supple and to help the paint clean off easier?

[@herrickkimball]

I never knew there was a conditioner. Will check into that. Thanks. 👍

[@barrynovak9458]

Always a little pride keeping your tools looking and working like new... sometimes they work even even better than new.

[@CB-vg1wq]

Thank you for posting this tutorial on keeping a brush clean. I am impressed with all the paint projects you have accomplished. You mention that you clean your brush after using for 1 1/2 hours. If you are going back to the same project, do you clean the brush as completely or change the procedure?

[@stumphead4885]

Very important....my painter buddy said to never use hot water while cleaning a paint brush. Hot water makes the brush frizz and lose its shape.

[@ottifantiwaalkes9289]

I would like you to demonstrate your technique after applying two part Marine paint for two minutes overhead. I have done so many times, and brushes just slowly accumulate paint even after thorough cleaning with lacquer thinner, mostly where no brush can reach to remove already partly cured paint. So the usable bristles slowly become shorter and shorter.

[@cheetoman23]

If it's two part urethane or epoxy base, there isn't really anything that will dissolve that which wouldn't also destroy the bristles. If you're cleaning a brush fresh off of painting then use the lacquer thinner plus a special made tool with thin but stiff nails. I hammer wire or trim nails through a thin piece of scrap and sharpen the ends of them with a file. It digs in really well.

[@Jimmykimball]

Excellent instructions!

[@RichKebo]

Do you have cleaning tips for oil based paints?

[@herrickkimball]

Same principle but with lots of mineral spirits or paint thinner. Pour the dirty thinner into glass jars and let it set for a week. The dissolved paint will settle and you can pour off clean thinner to use again. I used to have a gallon glass jug for my used thinner to settle in.

[@johnny5941]

Hey, I have trouble taking care of dried paint that is exactly near the ferrule of the bristle. This is a few days afterwards. Also what if someone actually at the point where the paint actually sets? Also do you have a dedicated paintbrush cleaning brush?

[@gusespe4458]

The Environmentalist are at Disbelief and Screaming at the Top of their Lungs at You !!!!! Lol 😂😂😂

[@tubejim101]

Little by slow. Like it.

[@leomeilak6532]

Thanks for the brush tip

[@FixItWithMe]

What brand of brushes is the “best” brush for painting? I’m new to painting. Thanks! Also what recommended rollers?

[@herrickkimball]

Purdy is a good brand for painting tools.

[@peterbarlow8912]

First of all good luck finding a square cut sash brush at the big box store. Insert angle cut sash brush rant! I use a stainless bristle wire brush, stainless needle tined brush comb, and coarse scuff pads. There are reasons to clean the handle and the ferrule. First you don’t want lumpy paint buildup under your grip which can include the ferrule when your cutting in. Secondly it gets more difficult to clean properly if you let paint build up anywhere. If the session runs long you can rough clean crusting paint off the top of your bristles and ferrule with the side of your putty knife. Follow that with damp scuff pad and a paper towel. Work the brush in your paint pot thinning the thickening paint with fresh paint and carry on. AKA Sashman! Purdy has discontinued its best brushes like the 4” XL Titan with the oblong ferrule instead of the hard to choke up on sharp square ferrule. How about a video on the desirable early Hyde single bevel stiff back putty knife.

[@cheeseheadfiddle]

Why not a brush comb? Made for this purpose. That is essential. Penetrates through the inner bristles much better than your wire brush. What am I missing?

[@gregoryPurpura]

Bob Ross - “Beat the devil out of it!”

[@nickseguine393]

One step more! put a coupe drops of fabric softener and rub it in then rinse. you will see the difference!

[@Christy-ff4yn]

Then wash it out or leave it?

[@DarkSim77]

What about oil based paint?

[@herrickkimball]

Same principal. Cleanup is not so easy. I have bought a cheap brush and tossed after using oil based finishes. Used to clean with mineral spirits. Then pour into a big jug, let the solids settle and pour off the clarified liquid to reuse. I recently learned that my state has outlawed the retail sale of mineral spirits. NY 🙁

[@jld4870]

For water based paint how dry does it have to be after cleaning it before you can use it again? Thank you!

[@herrickkimball]

Semi-dry is good enough.

[@jld4870]

@@herrickkimballThank you.

[@CeeGeeZ]

Invaluable✌️ •&• ☑️ THANKS! for the charming #️⃣REMiNDER sign!😉👌

[@davesykes4185]

Latex paint?

[@charleywalker2982]

Thanks Uncle Pete, RIP.

[@motosirali4081]

How do clean the gloss paint brush

[@Sharp50000]

You used cold water but hot kettle or tap water so ok too?

[@herrickkimball]

I’ve never used hot water but I’m sure it will do the job just fine. Maybe better. 🙂👍

[@michaelrivera7719]

Rest In Peace Uncle Pete.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Thanks!

[@usernamemykel]

Does it work with ANY type of paint?

[@herrickkimball]

Water base paint only. I'll do an oil-base paint cleaning video some day soon.

[@bobbrock41]

Presumably this is not oil-based paint?

[@lanabuscham7350]

How the hell did u keep paint from driping down the paint brush, on the handle, etc?

[@sharonlawhon3678]

Practice practice practice! Carry a damp cloth to wipe drips, spills, and mistakes! Do not overload the brush just a few pointers I have learned over time.

[@babkaking]

They sell paint brush combs in a quality paint store

[@johnduffy6546]

don't send paint down the drain if you are on a septic system!

[@gregorymacneil2836]

I use a paint brush spinner.

[@herrickkimball]

The spinners work great. I've used one for many years. Primarily with rollers. 👍

[@deantokarsky5176]

Looks like you were using water based paint and not oil based paint. Type of paint was not mentioned

[@marywalsh3371]

You carnt clean a paintbrush like that with gloss paint only water based paint

[@Robs-shop]

Hey dad I need a paint brush mind if I barrow that thing?? 😂 jk

[@herrickkimball]

You're funny. No. I loaned a brush to your mom and learned my lesson. 😂

[@kawikadee9670]

I would loan my paint brush to you.

[@gjohnint]

Bet this doesnt work with oil based paint

[@herrickkimball]

Correct. I need to do a separate video for oil based paint clean-up. 👍

[@misfit7610]

👍👍👍

[@elizabethjones6554]

U.K. lean paint brush cleaning

[@AodhMacRaynall-dr1sf]

0:04 Ironic, don't you think?

[@AodhMacRaynall-dr1sf]

9:40 Dude. everbody in yo family's gone appreciate you. Have you ever walked upstairs when you need to take dump real bad. It's nerve-wrackin!

[@montamang837]

You may get more water bill than the price of the brush 😅

[@carlarichards375]

I selected how to care for oil base paint brushes and this popped up. 😅

[@tonygreen9033]

This doesn’t seem to be oil based paint.

[@erepsekahs]

OK then.....no secrets here. Same as everyone else. S'not brain surgery. Many of these painters seem to think so, but it is not.

[@rajanne2947]

Can you paint my house?! I'm lazy.

[@littlemissy8356]

NO paint in a drain or sink. Not good.

[@brettmacefield2695]

First thing you should never do ,is wash a paint brush in a sink, all the pollutants chemicals, and paint go into the waterways,killing all life forms.

[@anthonyjutchenko1492]

Chuck em in the trash. My time is worth more than the brush costs, even a Purdy. The greatest paint brushes are the Pro Grade brand paint brushes on Amazon, $7.99 for 5. I’ve used them side by side with a Purdy Syntox, and the cheap ones lay out paint with the same smoothness. No bristle loss.

[@johnmurray9422]

Chuck it in the bin and buy another next time, saving on time, effort and the expense of brush cleaner.

[@johnpayne6196]

Thanks.

[@ecr-9341]

HK Making America Great Again🇺🇸