Mauro Henrique teaches Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about paint project clean-up. Mauro explains the benefits of water-based paints, such as latex or acrylic, as they’re easier to clean than oil paint and are widely available. He then shows Kevin his methods for cleaning paint brush and roller sleeves.
Water-Based Paints Are In
Oil-based paints are being phased out for water-based solutions. Water-based paints like latex and acrylic are easier to clean up and contain much lower VOC (volatile organic compounds) levels.
How to Clean Paint Brushes
You only need a bucket of warm water to clean up paint brushes. Simply soak the brush in the water, remove it, and spin the handle back and forth between your palms to rinse the paint from the bristles. Once you’re done, straighten the bristles and put the cover back on to keep them in good shape.
Should You Clean Rollers?
Mauro doesn’t like to clean rollers. While it’s possible to clean them with a 5-in-1 painter’s tool, he feels that the rollers never really work the same again. When using the same color in between a paint job, however, he suggests putting the rollers in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out from day to day or after lunch.
Paint Disposal
Paint in a can has to harden before it can be thrown out, and there are two ways to let it harden. The first way is to open the lid and let the can dry over time. The other (faster) way is to open the lid, throw kitty litter into the can, and then let it dry.
Once the paint hardens, contact the town to ask about the best way to dispose of hardened paint. Each town may have its own guidelines.
Resources
Mauro Henrique gives his best tips on cleaning up after any paint project.
Water-based paint such as latex or acrylic is much more homeowner-friendly and widely available. If
spilled, it can be easily cleaned with a bucket of clean water and a rag.
- To clean paint brushes: Wash the brushes in a bucket of warm water. If the brush does not clean
thoroughly, rewash with soap or mild detergent. Use a metal comb to comb out the bristles of the brush. - Rollers: Wet rollers can be cleaned with water and a 5-in-1 painters tool.
- Paint Cans: If you choose to dispose of paint cans, there are a few things to consider:
Check with local laws to follow proper disposal as it differs from state to state and town to town.
Never throw paint cans away in household waste. This is a potential risk for the paint to contaminate local soil or water supplies and negatively impact communities and local wildlife.