Did you just give a facelift to a room in your home yourself with a fresh coat of paint? Congratulations on a job well done! But up until you wash and clean your paintbrushes and rollers, so your job is not quite done. The last thing you want is crusty brushes or rollers when you take up your next project. Here is all you need to know about washing and cleaning your brushes and rollers.
The first step to remember is the removal of the excess paint before it dries up on your brush. It will ensure that the clean-up procedure is much easier. You can use discarded clothes or newspaper to remove excess paint. For the roller brush, remove the excess paint by rolling or pressing it hard against the paint can. You can also spread out four to five layers of paper and roll it out till the excess paint is gone.
A solution to wash off water-based paint
If you have been using water-based paint, a mixture of soapy water will serve well to clean the paint of your bushes. Using warm water will make the process easier. Further, use rubber gloves to keep your hands safe and preferably a paint tray for the cleaning process. Cleaning the paintbrush directly the sink may lead to stains.
Washing off water paints from a roller brush is relatively easy. You just have to dip it in a soapy mixture and hold it under running water until the paint washes off. However, before you stow it away for storage, make sure it is drip dry. You may roll it back and forth on a clean terry towel or thick paper towel layer to absorb the moisture before you hang it out to dry.
A solution to clean oil-based paints
Water and soap will not help clean oil-based paints. Depending on the paint you have used you will need solvents like denatured alcohol or mineral spirits. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to select the right kind of cleaning agent.
Once you have selected the right cleaning agent you will have to keep the brush or roller brush dipped in the solution for 24 hours. You may want to refresh the mixture once if you feel the need to do so.
Once your brush or roller brush is free of paint wash it under tap water and dry it out thoroughly before you keep it away for storage.
