How to Deep Clean Hardened Oil Paint Brushes and Revive Them

Forgot to clean your brush and now it’s stiff as a rock? Don’t worry—many oil painters have been there. In this post, we’ll cover how to deep clean and possibly revive hardened brushes.

Understanding Hardened Brushes

When oil paint dries in the bristles, it becomes much harder to remove. The key is to soften and break down the dried paint gradually.

What You’ll Need

• A small glass jar
• Murphy’s Oil Soap or brush restorer
• Comb or brush cleaner
• Warm water

Reviving Process

1. Soak in Murphy’s Oil Soap Soak the hardened brush overnight in Murphy’s Oil Soap or a specialized brush restorer. This helps break down dried oil paint.

2. Gently Comb Out Paint Using a brush comb or your fingers, gently work through the bristles to remove loosened paint.

3. Wash and Rinse Wash the brush with warm water and mild soap, then rinse thoroughly.

4. Reshape and Dry Blot with a towel, reshape the bristles, and air dry.

Can All Brushes Be Saved?

Not always. Severely damaged brushes may not fully recover, but this method can often give them a second life.