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Painter's multi tool.
I think the two most useful functions are as a scraper and squeezing paint from a roller, see image below. |
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| Use the painters multi tool to remove, and save!, as much paint as possible. The roller can be wrapped up in a plastic bag for next day's painting or cleaned with water and stored. If you are using an oil based paint, remove the roller from the carriage and place in the trash. |
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This jug was purchased more than 30 years ago!!
I always collect and recycle the paint thinner after each use, see text and image to the right. |
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| Clean-up Time |
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I hope you purchased quality tools. If you did, they can be used over and over again. However, quality will not make tools last if there is no thorough and immediate clean up after you finished painting. The sooner you clean your brush after you are done painting, the easier it will be to clean. Clean up time can be quick and easy if you were painting with latex (water based) or more time consuming, and smelly, if you used an oil based paint. I'm sure the following clean-up suggestions will be helpful.
- Cleaning paint brushes and rollers.
- Cleaning paint trays.
- Septic beds and cleaning up.
- Clean up the painting area.
- Paint thinner; recycle, reuse!
- What to do with leftover paint.
- Links to other helpful articles.
CLEANING PAINT BRUSHES AND ROLLERS
*Brushes - latex.
Before cleaning remove as much paint as possible from the brush. Then rinse thoroughly under warm water. Keep rinsing until the water is clear. Don't be afraid to use your fingers to separate bristles that stick together. You can also purchase a brush comb to separate bristles if you don't like to use your fingers. I never have to use soap as I clean my brushes between coats and at the end of the day. I don't keep them overnight wrapped in plastic. When the brush is clean give it a good shake and dry the bristles with a rag. Store the brush in its original cover and hang, don't keep it laying flat on a shelf.
*Brushes - oil based
Brushes should be cleaned thoroughly with a solvent such as paint thinner, lacquer thinner, mineral spirits or brush cleaner, as per manufacturer's instructions on the can.
Before cleaning remove as much paint as possible from the brush. You will need mineral spirits or paint thinner for cleaning and you will need to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the harsh chemicals. Use your fingers or brush comb to separate bristles. Keep working the paint thinner through the bristles until the thinner comes out clear. Go outside and shake excess thinner from the brush. Dry bristles with a rag.
WARNING. Use solvents in a well ventilated area or even better, outside. Solvents are flammable as well as the gases they give off.
TIP
Pour used paint thinner in a large glass jar and let it sit for a week or two. Paint particles will settle on the bottom. Once the thinner is clear pour it slowly back into the original container and it can be used again! |
*Paint rollers - latex.
If you clean the roller properly, and as soon as possible, you can use them for more than just one paint job. When finished painting take the painter's multi tool (paint stirring stick will do too) and scrape off as much paint from the roller sleeve as possible. Next, spin it around under a steady stream of water. I often use my hands to squeeze out any remaining paint. Keep at it till the water becomes clear. Dry the roller sleeve with a rag and it can be used again for the next paint job.
* Paint rollers - oil based.
Use the painter's multi-tool to scrape off any remaining paint. It takes a lot of time and paint thinner to properly clean a paint roller. Instead, I just dispose of the roller sleeve and buy a new one for my next painting job.
WARNING. Use solvents in a well ventilated area or even better, outside. Solvents are flammable as well as the gases they give off.
CLEANING PAINT TRAYS
Pour any leftover paint from the paint tray into the can. Use a brush to clean out the tray.
- If you were using latex paint you can rinse the tray with water until clear. Let it dry and it is ready for the next paint job.
- If you were using an oil based paint and used a disposable tray let the paint dry and dispose off in the trash. |
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SEPTIC BEDS AND CLEANING UP
When cleaning latex paint brushes, the runoff will create rubber-like floating masses in your septic system, which could clog your septic bed or leaching field.
Many claim that the latex water solution will not harm the system but why not play it safe. Clean only the brushes with water and don't bother cleaning the roller sleeves; just let them dry and dispose of in the trash.
CLEAN UP THE PAINTING AREA
Now that your tools have been cleaned it is time to clean up the room.
- Remove painters tape if you haven't done so already.
- Remove and store drop sheets.
- There shouldn't be any paint on the carpet if you used enough drop sheets. However, if there is, use lots of hot water (or solvents for oil based paint) and blot. Do not scrub as the paint will be moved to a larger area.
- Remove any paint splatters from glass (doors/windows) and mirrors with a razor blade scraper.
- Install all removed door hardware, receptacle and light switch covers or anything else you removed prior to painting.
- Place furniture back to its original location or rearrange room.
PAINT THINNER; RECYCLE, REUSE
| Pour used paint thinner in a large glass jar and let it sit for a week or two. Paint particles will settle on the bottom. Once the thinner is clear pour it slowly back into the original paint thinner container and it can be used again! Do NOT use a can because you can not tell when the used solvent is clear. |
WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVER PAINT
- Never pour paint down the drain.
- Empty can. Leave the lid off and let inside dry completely. Dispose of it in the regular trash (as in my home town).
- Leftover paint can:
a- Be kept for some time for any required "touch-ups". Make sure the lid is on tight and store can upside down to prevent air from drying out the paint.
b- Be thoroughly mixed with any other leftover paint, regardless of colour or texture, and used to paint the garage.
c- Dropped of at your local municipal hazardous household waste collection centre.
| WARNING.
Never store paint near the furnace or other open flame appliances. Store cans in a cool and dry area. |
LINKS TO OTHER HELPFUL ARTICLES
Oil or latex? How to test old paint. Advantages, disadvantages.
Tools and supplies. For surface preparation and painting.
Buy the right brush or roller. Bristles, roller material, nap length.
Surface preparation. Wallpaper glue. Treating mildew.
Liquid sandpaper - deglossers. What it is. What it doesn't do.
Painting tips. Getting ready. Tools. Painting. Storing paint.
Lead in paint. Health warning. Remedial action. Government.
Lead. Sources of lead other than paint. Remedial actions. Health concerns. |
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