While your'e at the paint store
pick up a " Brush Comb" it's a really wide toothed comb with sharp pointy teeth, < sort of like a vorpal bunnie but more teeth> < nevermind the Python fans will think it's funny> These combs are great for cleaning brushes with they get all that extra crap that accumulates near the
ferrule, out.
Ah funny guy! It's not so funny when your
grip slips and those huge sharp pointy teeth sink themselves into your finger. But the good news is that the
mineral spirits do sanitize the wounds...
Seriously, Van is right on. If a brush is of high enough quality to be worth rescuing, it will probably be strong enough to survive the abuse and clean up just fine. You'll be amazed at what you can do with
mineral spirits and a comb. Works wonders on latex too... although you probably won't need the
mineral spirits. A long soak in warm water, some shampoo, a brush comb, and some elbow grease will probably do it.
While we are on the topic. I keep a cheap
bottle of shampoo and a cheap
bottle of conditioner next to the
slop sink for cleaning brushes. You'll be amazed at how nice you can keep your brushes. The bristles are soft and smooth... and they smell like strawberries. I've got a brush I've been using for 10 years. The handle is well stained from paint slops and drips but the bristles look and feel brand new.
Finally, don't just automatically
throw away the thrashed brushes. Just because it's crusty doesn't mean it's useless. Some of the most interesting texture can be painted on with brushes that are fully abused. One of the best
dry brush tools I've found is one of those 99 cent brushes that's been abused to within an inch of it's life. Before you
throw that old brush out remember you can paint with anything and a smooth even coat is rarely the look you want.