How to Get Dried Kilz Out of a Brush

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Things You'll Need

  • Liquid fabric softener

  • Vinegar

Remove dried Kilz to keep your paintbrush soft.

Kilz is a brand of paints and primers used in home repair and remodeling. Like all paints, Kilz sticks to your paintbrush and dries quickly if you don't take the necessary steps to prevent it. Once paint has dried on a brush, the bristles become stiff and make painting with the brush impossible. Fortunately, you can removed dried Kilz by creating a special mixture to rinse your brush in. This not only will restore your brush to its former state but also will make the bristles softer, creating a smoother painting experience.

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Water-based Kilz

Step 1

Mix 1 gallon of warm water with a 1/2 cup of liquid fabric softener.

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Step 2

Dip your paintbrush into the mixture, allowing the bristles to soak in the fabric softener. The paint will slide off the bristles and sink to the bottom of the bucket.

Step 3

Dry your brush by flicking as much extra water off the bristles as possible. Allow the brush to air-dry.

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Latex-based Kilz

Step 1

Fill a pan with enough vinegar to cover your brush. Bring the vinegar to a boil.

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Step 2

Reduce the heat so the vinegar is simmering.

Step 3

Soak the bristles of your brush in the vinegar until the paint begins to slide off.

Step 4

Rinse the remaining paint off with hot soapy water. Allow the brush to air-dry before using it again.

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