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My neighbor told me to soak my new paintbrush in warm vinegar before using it, and my first coat went on way smoother than usual.

I was skeptical but tried it for 15 minutes, and it really did help the bristles stay soft and lay the paint down without any streaks, has anyone else tried this trick with other tools?
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2 Comments
taylor_mitchell80
Vinegar is acidic and can actually break down the adhesive holding the bristles over time. You might get one smooth coat but ruin the brush for good. I always just use warm water with a little dish soap to condition new brushes, it works without the risk.
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jessicad98
Been using a quick vinegar soak on new brushes for years and never lost bristles. The key is you don't leave it in for hours, just a few minutes to soften the gum. Warm water and soap doesn't always get that factory stiffness out for me. A short dip makes them way more usable right away. My oldest brushes are still fine, so the adhesive must be tougher than we think.
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