How to clean and store paint brushes and rollers so they last for years

Yesterday you filled, sanded and touched up the holes and dents in your walls. Today you round off the painting weekend neatly. If you clean brushes and rollers properly straight away, you will enjoy them for years. A brush that ends up in a corner with dried paint will have to be thrown away next time. In this blog you will read how to clean brushes, rollers and paint trays, how to store leftover paint and how to dispose of paint waste safely.

👷 Calling in a professional is never unnecessary. Did you notice while touching up that the paint is flaking, the wall is damp or the colour difference stays visible? A painter can advise on the right surface and paint and paints large areas smoothly in one go.

What do you need?

• An 12-litre bucket with lukewarm water and a paint bucket for the first rinse.
• A paint scraper or putty knife with aluminium blade to scrape paint off the roller and out of the tray.
• masking paper or masking film as a surface to work on and to dry things on.
• work gloves with nitrile coating and safety goggles against splashes.
• Old newspapers, kitchen paper and a few rubber bands.
• Your tools: the acrylic brush, flat brush for lacquer or radiator brush, a velour roller or foam roller and the paint tray.

Read more about choosing rollers and brushes in our blog on paint rollers and brushes.

Step-by-step plan: water-based paint

Most wall paints and many modern lacquers are water-based. You clean them with water.

1. First squeeze out as much paint as possible. Wipe the brush on the edge of the tin and roll the roller empty on a newspaper. Use the scraper to push the paint off the roller back into the tin or tray.
2. Empty the paint tray. Scrape leftover paint from the tray back into the tin. Let what remains dry on paper.
3. First rinse. Rinse brush and roller in a bucket of water, not under the tap. That way as little paint as possible ends up in the sewer.
4. Rinse again in clean lukewarm water with a little soap, until the water stays clear. Massage the bristles of the brush with your fingers right up to the ferrule.
5. Spin out and reshape. Spin the roller out in an empty bucket, press the bristles of the brush back into shape and if necessary hold them in shape with a rubber band and a piece of paper.
6. Drying. Let brushes dry lying flat or hanging with the bristles down, never standing on the bristles. Let rollers dry hanging, so the pile does not flatten.

Solvent-based paint

If you have used a solvent-based lacquer, water will not work. Wipe the brush out well, rinse it in a sealable jar with a suitable cleaning agent according to the label and let the sediment settle, so you can reuse the clear part. Work in a well-ventilated room, away from open flames, and never pour residues down the sink.

⚠️ Rags with linseed oil or solvent-based paint can self-heat as they dry. Let them dry spread out outdoors or keep them in a closed jar with water until you dispose of them.

Break between two coats

Continuing tomorrow? Then you do not need to clean everything. Wrap the brush or roller airtight in film or a plastic bag and put it in a cool place. That way the paint stays wet for a day to a few days.

Storing and disposing of leftover paint

• Clean the rim of the tin, place film over the opening and press the lid on firmly.
• Write the colour, room and date on the tin. Then you will know exactly which paint you need for the next touch-up job.
• Store paint frost-free and out of reach of children.
• Take leftover paint, empty tins with residue and dirty rinsing water to the municipal waste point as small chemical waste.

Read more about masking and protecting your work area in our blog on masking tape and protective film.

Working safely

Wear work gloves with nitrile coating when cleaning: paint and cleaners irritate the skin. safety goggles protects your eyes when spinning out the roller. Ensure ventilation, especially with solvents, and do not eat or drink while working.

When do you call in a professional?

• For larger painting jobs or high walls and stairwells.
• If the paint keeps flaking or staining after touching up.
• If in doubt about old paint layers in a house built before 1960, which may contain lead.

How to paint a whole wall is explained in our blog on painting a wall.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still save a brush with dried paint?

Sometimes, by soaking it and combing it out. If the bristles are hard and out of shape, a new brush is usually the better choice.

Should I clean a roller after every job?

Yes, or wrap it airtight if you continue within a few days.

Can rinsing water go down the sink?

Pre-rinse water-based paint in a bucket as much as possible. Let the water stand overnight, pour away the clear part and let the sediment dry for the waste point.

Read also: How to touch up damaged walls: filling holes, dents and marks

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.