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Hey all, I found a few old brushes that I want to try and save for some bulk painting and they are caked with old paint. what I want to know is what will dissolve the paints out of the ferule, will a Simple-Green Bath work, or should i go for something else like mineral spirits?

it's pretty tough to get old, dried paint out of the ferule without destroying the brush in the process. you might have some luck with masters brush cleaner, though.

If it'sjust removing a crust of old paint, Master's and patience will do the trick. If the bristles have been kinked and splay badly, though, it's likely beyond help - trash it or remove the crust and relegate it to drybrush/glue spreading/paint transfer duty. I'd avoid harsh solvents like turpentine if it's a natural hair brush, but feel free to use it and its ilk on synthetics - never used Simple Green on a brush, so I'm not sure what it would do to the bristles. It will loosen the paint, at least, but I know that I can do it with Master's without risking irreparable damage.