I know when you think “paint projects” that you don’t normally think “vinegar”. Well I’m going to give you a few tips that might make you think otherwise.
#1 Removing Paint from glass
This past summer I restored a couple of old windows and used paint stripper to get the paint off the glass. I sure wish I had known this trick because it would have been nice to use a product that isn’t so toxic! To remove paint from glass all you need is hot vinegar. “Heat up the white vinegar [in the microwave] and use a cloth to wipe away [the] paint.” Way less headache {literally} than using paint stripper!
This past summer I restored a couple of old windows and used paint stripper to get the paint off the glass. I sure wish I had known this trick because it would have been nice to use a product that isn’t so toxic! To remove paint from glass all you need is hot vinegar. “Heat up the white vinegar [in the microwave] and use a cloth to wipe away [the] paint.” Way less headache {literally} than using paint stripper!
# 2 Cement floors
When painting cement the paint tends to peel or crack over time. “You can keep the paint stuck to the cement longer by giving the floor an initial coat of white vinegar before you paint it. Wait until the vinegar has dried” and then paint. Using this simple trick will ensure that you painted floors will shine and be beautiful longer!
#3 Metal
Often times painting metal can be tricky. Depending on the type of paint you’re using, the paint may have a hard time sticking to the metal. But don’t worry, vinegar will come to the rescue! To prepare the metal surface and reduce the tendency of peeling paint, “[wipe] down clean metal surfaces with a vinegar solution made of 1 part white vinegar to 5 parts water.”
Often times painting metal can be tricky. Depending on the type of paint you’re using, the paint may have a hard time sticking to the metal. But don’t worry, vinegar will come to the rescue! To prepare the metal surface and reduce the tendency of peeling paint, “[wipe] down clean metal surfaces with a vinegar solution made of 1 part white vinegar to 5 parts water.”
#4 Paint brushes
Do you ever finish a painting project, get side tracked and forget to clean your brushes? Well it happens to me all the time! Also there are times when for some reason I just can’t seem to get all the paint out of the brushes. Well I wish I had known this trick years ago because it would have saved me from having to throw out a bunch of brushes! To soften paint brushes “bring a pan of white vinegar to [a] boil on the [stove].” Once the vinegar is boiling add the paint brushes. “Allow [the] brushes to simmer for around 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and wash in hot soapy water.” A super easy trick and best way to clean paint brushes!
That’s all for today, I’m off to paint something now!!!
Day 4: Cleaning Tips
Day 5: Cleaning Kitchen Appliances
This series is based on a book I received from my mom at Christmas. All items in quotations are referenced from Vinegar: 1001 Practical Household Uses.
London Accountant says
June 25, 2012 at 4:05 amVinegar is also supposed to be amazing as a streak-free window and glass cleaner, right?
Anna says
June 26, 2012 at 9:31 amYep!
Anna
Megan says
November 2, 2012 at 1:47 pmThanks so much for the wonderful ideas. 🙂
Leslie Stewart says
November 2, 2012 at 2:26 pmWow! Thanks for sharing this great information! Wish I had known this years ago…
Leslie
House on the Way
Anna says
November 2, 2012 at 3:01 pmHaha, I know, me too! 🙂
Dick says
November 3, 2012 at 6:52 amThis is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post.
Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!
Vicki I. says
March 25, 2013 at 3:23 pmI just found half a dozen forgotten paint brushes in a closet in our basement this weekend and was wondering how to try to salvage them. The timing on this post is perfect, thank you!
Summer says
April 13, 2013 at 8:11 amI am notorious for leaving my brushes out. Esp on big jobs, when I am tired! Doing this now, I hope it works!!
Trisha says
July 25, 2013 at 9:12 amThankyou Soooooo much for this tip. I could have used it last week, but it will be good for future painting.
April says
May 31, 2014 at 7:03 amOn the paintbrush cleaning trick. When you said bring the “water” to a boil, you did mean “vinegar” right? And if not could you explain better, bcuz I just did this and it didnt work at all
Anna says
June 10, 2014 at 10:26 amYes, I meant to write vinegar, thank you for pointing that out! I just fixed it so hopefully no one else will be confused. 🙂
Rosanne says
July 14, 2014 at 4:04 pmHello,
I followed your instructions for cleaning the paint brushes in boiling vinegar and then in soapy water and it ruined both of them. They lost their shape and their snap 🙁
mreynolds says
August 25, 2014 at 3:52 pmHey Rosanne,
This is Monique, Anna’s assistant. We are so sorry to hear that this solution did not work for you and that you ended up with ruined brushes. It has worked for Anna before. She wanted me to suggest using Klean Strip Odorless Mineral Spirits to clean your brush next time. Anna has found that this product works great also. We are so sorry again!
Janice says
September 21, 2014 at 8:22 pmCleaning paint brush with boiling vinegar was a disaster. Lost my favorite brush.
Azelle says
January 21, 2015 at 8:36 amLove the tips!!!!
Carly says
August 2, 2018 at 5:24 amI’m guessing it would depend on the type brushes or bristles as to whether or not they can withstand the boiling water. Some may melt, I would assume.