A Done with That® Project by Koper, America’s #1 Connected ContractorTM, Free Augmented Article©
Spills, splatters and messy tools are the least- favorite aspect of any painting project. Keeping a few things in mind while you are painting, however, can make cleaning up much less of a chore.
Paint clean-up starts before you open the first can of paint. For interior paint jobs, you need to move furniture out of the room to be painted, if possible. Cover floors with drop cloths and remove window treatments. For exterior jobs, you should protect driveways, walkways, patios and landscaping from spills and splatters with drop cloths or tarps. It is also a good idea to have clean-up materials handy before you start to paint.
Once you are finished painting, start cleaning your painting equipment immediately. Dried paint is almost impossible to remove from paintbrushes and roller covers. Cleaning them costs very little, and saves buying new ones for each job. You should also clean paint from roller frames, as accumulated paint can soon affect performance.
The tools and materials used to clean up painting equipment depend on the type of paint used. For alkyd paints, you need a solvent that breaks down the paint by thinning it, making it easier to remove from the tool. The paint manufacturer usually provides information about the best kinds of solvent right on the paint can. Cleaning up latex paints requires only warm water and detergent.
You need a container such as a coffee can to soak brushes or rollers in the solvent or water. A stack of newspapers is handy, both for keeping your work area neat and for wiping excess paint from your roller or brush. You also need a good supply of rags for wiping up drips or spills. If you do not have any, most paint and hardware stores sell rags by the bagful.
A paintbrush comb is another tool that makes clean-up easier. One edge of the tool has broad teeth for removing paint and untangling bristles. The other edge is a curved blade for removing paint from a roller cover. A small putty knife and razor blades also come in handy for scraping off dried paint, especially on floors and window panes.
It is a good idea to set up a cabinet in a garage or basement, if possible, for storing paint and paint-related tools. The cabinet should be well away from any source of heat, such as a furnace or water heater. The cabinet should also be out of the reach of children; if that is not possible, then equip the cabinet with a strong lock.
Cleaning Brushes
Wipe the brush on newspaper to remove excess paint. Use several layers of newspaper so paint does not stain the underlying surface.
Soak and rinse paintbrushes used with alkyd paint in solvent. Continue rinsing with fresh solvent until the brush is clean.
Wash brushes used in either latex or alkyd paint in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Straighten the bristles with a paintbrush comb.
Spin the brush between your palms to remove any excess water. Do this over an area covered with newspapers to minimize splatters.
Selecting the right solvent
With alkyd paints, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate sol¬vent to use for cleaning up.
Turpentine is a common choice since it works quickly. Because it contains a small amount of resin, tools cleaned with turpentine should be thoroughly washed with detergent and water.
Mineral spirits have less odor than turpentine and are not as expensive, but do not work as quickly.
Lacquer thinner should only be used for cleaning up tools used with lacquer. This liquid is highly flammable and, like other solvents, should be used with caution and in a well-ventilated area.
Cleaning rollers
1. Wipe the roller on newspaper or cardboard to remove excess paint, Take the roller cover off the frame.
2. Soak the roller cover with solvent or water. Repeat with fresh solvent or water until clean.
3. Wash cover in soapy water; blot to remove excess water. Clean roller frame and handle;
Quick Clean-up
1. Clean up splatters while painting with- a rag soaked in solvent or water. Always use undyed cloth.
2. Use a paint scraper or putty knife to remove any paint splatters that have dried on windows and floors.
TIPS
• A paper plate or newspaper underneath a paint can prevents rings from paint dripping down the side.
• A water-less cream hand cleaner can be useful for removing paint from your hands.
• Paint pads are cleaned just like rollers. If they are cleaned thoroughly, paint stains from a previous job will not affect the next one.
• If your paint job lasts more than one day, rinse excess paint out of the brush or roller and soak in either solvent or water at the end of each day. You do not have to wash it in soapy water: Drain and wipe dry before continuing to paint.
Storing Paint
If a can is less than half full, transfer it to a smaller container so is doesn’t dry out.
Another way to prevent drying is to use the can lid as a template and cut out a piece of wax paper to float on top of the paint.
Storing paint cans upside down also helps to keep a skin from forming on the top of the paint. Be sure that the lid is tight and secure.
How to store brushes and rollers
After brushes and rollers have dried, put them back into their original wrappers or wrap them in heavy paper — the brown pa¬per from grocery bags is perfect. Brushes should always be hung from their handles or stored flat. For long-term storage, never leave them standing on their bristles in a container.
Remove roller covers from their frames and stand them on end to avoid flattening the nap. If you store a roller cover in a plastic bag, make sure there are air holds in the bag to prevent the cover from developing mildew.
Caution
Alkyd paints and solvents must be disposed of properly. Do not put these products in with normal household trash or pour them down the drain or into a storm sewer. Contact your local waste collection agency for information about proper disposal.
Store all paint products and sol¬vents out of the reach of children and away from heat.
Do not smoke when using cleaning solvents. Tools used with alkyd paint must be cleaned in a well-ventilated area.
The spinner
A spinner is a handy device for cleaning brushes and rollers. Attach the brush or roller to the end of the spinner opposite the handle. Spin the roller or brush to shake off ex¬cess paint, solvent or water. Hold the spinner and brush or roller in¬side a box or plastic-lined trash can to contain splatters.
This article sponsored by Drexel Ad Group, promoting contractors and providing best prices for industrial, commercial and engineering services. Interested in Hiring Us or Learning More? Send us a note to learn about our services, and our connected communities campaign. Phone 248-701-9328
Service areas include: Metro Detroit, Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, Genesee, Troy, Auburn Hills, Madison Heights, Bloomfield, Birmingham, Washington, Clarkston, Orion, Oxford, Flint, Saginaw, Davison, Novi, Wixom, Plymouth, Ann Arbor and Michigan