Q. Several of my paint brushes dried and hardened. They are good brushes, but now they are a mess. Can I soften them up so they can be used again?

M.S., Melrose

A. Yes, and you really should if they are good brushes. Fill a coffee can three-quarters full of chemical paint remover (not paint thinner), and dip the brushes in this mess, one or several at a time. Let sit for 15 minutes or much longer, then work the softened paint out, using a brush comb, if necessary, to get the paint out of nooks and crannies. Clean out residue with paint thinner and let dry.

The brushes may come out very floppy. To recondition, dip them in boiled linseed oil, then wipe off all the oil that you can; wrap them in newspaper and store away flat or hanging from the holes in their handles.