Restoring Paint Brushes

For many years I have restored old and stiff paint brushes by soaking for a couple of days in a straight Phenyle Disinfectant solution. These are brushes that have slowly stiffened up and need a refresh.

I mostly use water based paints and wash brushes thoroughly after use using Linseed Soap to finish and they keep their softness very well but over time they need a refresh.

Not so easy to find Phenyle Disinfectant these days so put it to the trusty forum for a possible modern day, economical, replacement.

The Phenyle treatment would get all the old paint softened and easy to rinse out and leave the bristles beautifully soft again.

Cheers, Fred

I use Diggers Paint Brush and Roller restorer. It is unusual stuff, meaning that there is little smell to it. I just get a group of brushes together and let them soak for a number of days, dependent on how crusty the brushes are. Put the "used" liquid into a bottle for the next time. If you can, syphon off the clear liquid.
I use dishwashing liquid to washout the residue of the restorer. You usual hardware should have it

Just an addition, use it to clean up your spray guns too. It does a great job of loosening any hard spots of paint