Paint brush

Caring For Your Painting Tools 

November 7, 2022

Painting a space in your home can be very satisfying, as the transformative impact can be amazing. Paint can take a room from ho-hum boring to new and fresh once more! The hard work and time it takes to paint a space are undoubtedly worth it in the end as a space takes on a new aesthetic, mood, and personality. 

Homeowners usually love the actual painting part of the project as they see the progress of their work. Unfortunately, the clean-up aspects are usually the most unsatisfying steps of any paint project. Due to the amount of time and effort it takes to clean up a space, some homeowners tend to cut corners or skimp when it comes time to clean and care for the painting tools and equipment that will be needed next time they decide to transform a room with paint. 

As professional painters, we understand the inclination to be done with a project quickly, but we also know that caring properly for our paint brushes, rollers, tarps, pans, buckets, and other tools can mean keeping our high-quality tools for longer and better condition. 

Here are a few tips for the end of your paint project when the time comes to clean and store your painting tools and equipment. 

paint roller

Cleaning Brushes and Rollers 

It is imperative that rollers and brushes be cleaned immediately after being used. The longer the paint is allowed to dry on the bristles and nap, the harder it will be to remove it and the greater the chance of the paint damaging the tools. 

Start by wiping excess paint back into the paint can. There are specialty tools for this or you could use your paint stirrer or even a gloved hand. Any extra paint you can yet out of the roller or brush will save you time and energy as you head to the sink for the washing step. 

When using water-based paint, allow water to clean your brush and rollers until no more paint appears in the water. This may involve using your fingers to rub out stubborn paint or remove clumped paint in some areas. 

For oil-based paints use paint thinner in a well-ventilated area and allow it to soak for a few minutes before rubbing a gloved hand over the bristles to loosen the clumped paint. 

Once your brushes and rollers are cleaned lay them out to dry on a tarp or a piece of cardboard. Drying time will vary according to climate and the amount of paint used. 

Storing Tools and Equipment 

One of the best ways to store your paint tools is to put them back into their original covers. Most paint brushes have a cover that can be easily put back on and secured after a paint project is completed. If that is not possible, try hanging our brushes and rollers on a rack or from nails in your workroom. This will ensure that bristles do not get bent or damaged in between projects. 

 

Categorised in: ,