Cleaning paint brushes and rollers

Painting is a fun and creative way to make your house more attractive. But it also involves hard work, especially when it's time to clean up.

Cleaning paintbrushes and rollers should be done right after you stop painting. No matter how tired you get, it is important to spend a few extra minutes cleaning them. Otherwise they are not going to be any good the next time you use them. The cost of a good paint brush has increased recently. You might spend ten to twenty dollars for a good brush, so make sure it lasts a long time.

When you get ready to start cleaning up, you should always make sure you have extra containers and rags around in case you spill anything on the floor. Make sure you are wearing a dust mask that will protect you from the fumes. It is a good idea to wear rubber gloves when you are working with a chemical solvent. Read the safety labels on the can. Don't smoke around paint or a solvent or set the containers near an open flame, furnace, or stove.

Buy the right solvent to clean the paint you are working with. Try warm water and detergent to clean latex paint. Use mineral spirits for oil-base and alkaline paints and varnishes. Lacquer thinner will clean lacquer. Apply alcohol to shellac. If you are unsure, read the label. To clean any of the tools you work with, such as a wire brush, putty knife, scraper, trays, or paint paddle, after working with latex paint use running water and a rag or brush. Other kinds of paint should soak in a clean container with the proper solvent.

When you are cleaning a paint brush or roller, scrape all the excess paint out of the brush with a putty knife or scraper. Then pour solvent in a tray or clean can. You won't need much. A few inches high should be plenty. Work your brush up and down on the bottom of the can. With gloves on use your fingers and squeeze through the bristles working the paint out of the brush. Then dip the brush back into the solvent and start working on the heel of the brush. After the solvent has absorbed a lot of paint, pour it into a can to keep dirty solvent in. Now pour some more clean solvent and continue working on your brush again. Do this three or four times or until the paint is out of it. After adding detergent to your brush, turn the warm water on in the sink and wash out the brush for the last time. Clean the roller by adding solvent to a tray and roll it back and forth. Then use your hand to squeeze out the solvent. Continue rolling the brush and work it into the nap of the roller. Do this three or four times, changing the solvent when needed. Now turn on the warm water and turn your roller so that it is spinning. Keep it there a few minutes and then hang it up to dry.

Recycling your paint tools is good for your budget and good for the environment. Learn how to do this the next time you finish a painting job.