Having the right tools for painting is important. And knowing how to take care of them is just as important! When your painting session is coming to an end, don't neglect your tools : it's necessary to know how to clean them properly to prevent them from getting damaged and thus be able to keep them longer. Likewise, it's important to know a few tips for preserving your rollers and brushes during the drying hours between your layers of paint!
How to clean your brushes?
You can first start by removing as much paint residue as possible by scraping your brushes on the edge of your paint pot and then wiping them with a cloth or paper towel.
Then, cleaning varies depending on the type of paint you used:
- to remove acrylic paint , nothing beats soap and water! Run your brushes under hot or warm water then rub them in a container containing water and soap or dish soap. Then rinse with clean water until all the paint is gone. Once your brushes are clean, wipe the bristles with a cloth then let them air dry flat or by hanging them downwards to keep the original shape of the bristles.
- to remove glycero or synthetic paint , you will need to use a specific solvent such as White Spirit (follow the advice on your paint pot to choose the right solvent). Soak your brushes in the White Spirit, making sure that all the bristles are immersed in the product. Leave it to act for a few minutes. Once the paint is removed, wash your brushes in warm water and soap (or washing-up liquid) then rinse them in clean water. Then dry them upside down as well.
How to clean a roller?
Cleaning a roller is quite similar to cleaning paintbrushes.
If your roller is still full of paint, scrape it as much as possible to recover as much product as possible (you can use a small spatula for example) and remove the excess by rolling your roller on old cardboard or newspapers.
Then separate the roller from its handle (take the opportunity to clean it too) then clean according to the type of paint used:
- If you used an acrylic paint like our Algo paints, soak your roller in a bucket filled with soapy water.
- If you used a glycero or synthetic paint , soak your roller in a bucket filled with White Spirit or the solvent recommended on your paint pot.
Let it sit and repeat the process several times until your roller is free of paint. Then rinse your roller in warm soapy water, then in clean water, and let it air dry.
How to clean a gun?
Painting with a paint sprayer allows you to carry out your work quickly and efficiently. To ensure the application and results are perfect, you must of course maintain your spray gun carefully. If paint dries in a passage of your spray gun , it could clog it and if it is not properly cleaned, particles or lumps could form and be thrown out during your next work.
To avoid this, it is necessary to clean the spray gun immediately after painting, as soon as you are no longer using it. If you plan to apply a second coat 24 hours later, for example, empty the paint tank and clean it anyway.
To clean, first unplug the gun and wipe the outside with a cloth soaked in solvent suitable for the type of paint used: clean with water for acrylic paints and with white spirit for oil-based paints. Never immerse the gun in liquid . Then remove the tank and collect the remaining paint in a container. Quickly clean the tank and the suction tube, then fill the tank with your solvent or water and screw it back on. Reconnect the gun and spray into a container or protected area until the spray is clear and no longer contains any traces of paint. You can then stop the gun and empty the cup thoroughly. Your gun will be as good as new for your next jobs!
How to preserve your tools between two coats of paint?
In a previous article, we talked about the importance of respecting the drying time of your paint for a better result. During this time, don't neglect your tools: if you leave them out in the open air, they will start to dry, their bristles will harden and become less flexible, which could cause you problems when it's time to move on to the next coat.
First, remember to close your opened paint pots properly and cover your paint tray with a damp cloth, making sure that the paint does not dry at the bottom and that the spin-drying grid is clean.
To preserve your tools during the drying hours, you can either completely clean your rollers and brushes as we explained just above or follow the following tip: wrap your brushes and rollers in a clean plastic bag , a large freezer bag or cling film that you then close with a rubber band. The goal is to expel as much air as possible. This will allow you to prevent the paint from drying and keep your equipment in good condition to resume your work a few hours later. You will see, this technique will simplify your life! On the other hand, do not wait too long between your coats of paint, this tip is practical for preserving your tools for around ten hours.
As you can see, cleaning your tools is essential for keeping your equipment in good condition. It may not be the most exciting step, but it marks the end of your work: after that, all you have to do is enjoy your freshly painted walls or ceilings! If you still have any questions, don't hesitate to read our article which details how to paint easily in 10 steps !
