Cleaning Paint Rollers
When you’re ready for cleaning paint rollers after a paint job, simply remove the cover from the frame and use the appropriate solvent to work out the paint from the roller.Firstly though, you should get as much of the paint off the roller as possible. This can be accomplished by running the curved edge of the painting comb across the roller over the paint can. Do this a few times to as much as you can off. Next for cleaning paint rollers is to work the paint out with your hands. For latex paints, just use warm water, and for oil/alkyd paints, use mineral spirits or paint thinner. This may take some time and of course uses quite a bit of water, etc. Sometimes you’ll need to weigh the benefit and cost of just disposing of the used roller or cleaning paint roller for re-use. You’ll need to keep working the roller with your hands and rotating it 180 degrees until it runs clear of any paint. Finish with a detergent-and-water wash; then rinse. Spin the sleeve dry with a spinning device from the hardware store, then let stand on end to dry. Don’t forget to clean your roller frame too!Also, check out how to clean your paint brushes. Save your dirty thinner in a separate container, allow to settle for a few days then pour off the clean thinner on top and save for another day. The remaining sludge in the bottom can be left open to dry out and then properly disposed of. Check local ordinances for regulations regarding proper disposal. 
TIP: When your paint job lasts for a few days or so, you can simply wrap your roller in plastic handi-wrap tightly at the end of the day. It will stay fresh for days this way and just clean it when you’re all finished with the job.Below is a typical paint roller spinner tool that you can pick up at any home hardware store or paint outlet. 
Cleaning Paint PadsSimilar to cleaning paint rollers, first blot out as much paint as possible on thick layers of newspaper. Then remove the pad from its holder. Wash the pad in water if you were using water-base paint, or in paint thinner or mineral spirits if you were using oil-base paint. Wear rubber gloves in mineral spirits or paint thinner. Do a final wash in detergent or soap and water. Detergents containing ammonia are particularly effective on oil paints. Rinse the pad thoroughly under running water. Blot or squeeze out all the excess water on old towels or newspapers, and leave the pad standing on edge to dry. Return to Top of Cleaning Paint Rollers Return to Home Page |
