How to Clean Brushes and Rollers with Xylol

A good brush left to harden in oil-based paint is money thrown away, and xylol (xylene) will rescue it when a milder cleaner has given up. Because it is strong and slow to evaporate, it dissolves both fresh and partly set oil-based paint and varnish, which makes it a reliable cleaner for brushes and rollers after solvent-borne work. The method is straightforward, and a little care keeps the bristles in shape.

1. Scrape off the excess. Work the extra paint out of the brush or roller against the rim of the can or a scrap board first, so the solvent is not doing all the work.
2. Work it in a container. Pour a small amount of xylol into a metal or solvent-rated container and press and swirl the brush against the bottom to flush paint out of the heel where it hides.
3. Change to fresh solvent. Move to a second batch of clean xylol once the first goes cloudy, and repeat until it stays fairly clear.
4. Comb and reshape. Draw a brush comb through the bristles to clear the base, then reshape the brush by hand.
5. Wash and dry. Follow with warm soapy water, rinse, shake out, and hang or lay the brush flat to dry before storing it in its keeper.

Two points save both the tool and the solvent. Xylol can be reused: let a jar of dirty solvent sit until the paint solids settle, then pour off the clear liquid for next time and dispose of the sludge as hazardous waste. And mind the bristles, since long soaks in a strong solvent can dry out natural hair, so clean promptly rather than leaving a brush submerged for hours. As always, do this with ventilation, gloves, and no open flame, and never pour used xylol down a drain.