Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Cleaning the water-based paint roller
• Method 2 of 2: Cleaning the roller from oil paints
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Good rollers are expensive, but they can last a long time if properly cared for. The most important thing you can do to keep your roller brush alive is to clean it properly every time you use it. While this is not such a difficult task, cleaning the roller is much more difficult than the brushes, but the result is worth it.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Cleaning the water-based paint roller

1. 1 Prepare a 5 gallon bucket (19L.) with a cleaning solution and water, and a softener for each roller you work with.
   • Fill each bucket with warm water and add 2 cups (473L) of fabric softener and stir.
   • When the fabric softener dissolves, it will break the tension on the surface of the water and thus the paint will dissolve faster.
   • If you wish, you can clean the roller with plain water or a mild dishwashing detergent.
2. 2 Remove as much excess paint from the roller as possible by pressing and rolling it in the paint tray.
   • You can also spread 4 or 5 layers of old newspapers on the floor and roll the paint onto the newspapers.
3. 3 Immerse the roller in a bucket of cleaning solution for about 20 seconds.
4. 4 Remove the roller from the bucket and rinse it under warm running water until the water is clear.
5. 5 When the paint comes off the roller, you should squeeze as much water out of it as possible before hanging to dry, wring out and place the roller on an old terry towel or on a thick layer of paper towels to absorb all the moisture.

Method 2 of 2: Cleaning the roller from oil paints

Do not use water to clean the roller if you are using oil-based paint: the paint will not dissolve in water alone, it must be removed with alcohol or turpentine.

1. 1 Remove excess paint from the roller by rolling it back and forth over old newspapers.
2. 2 Pour rubbing alcohol or turpentine (also called paint thinner) into a clean dish and dip the paint roller into it to clean. Throw in solvent by filling a bowl about 3 inches (7.62 cm) deep.
3. 3 Roll down the solvent and roll back and forth as if you were painting.
4. 4 If the roller is already in the paint, remove the excess paint by rolling it over several layers of old newspaper. If ink remains on the roller, dip the roller in a container of alcohol or turpentine and repeat the process.
5. 5 Hang the roller to dry on a nail or hook.
6. 6 Cover the dried roller with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep out dirt and dust.

Tips

• If your renovation has stalled for a short time, you can put the roller in a plastic bag to prevent the paint from drying out. You can also store the roller in a tightly wrapped bag and refrigerate overnight. It just takes a while to completely defrost the roller before using it.
• Pour alcohol or turpentine into an old coffee can and cover with a plastic lid. Pour the paint into another container for reuse. Let the paint settle to the bottom of the can, it may dry for a few days, then discard it.
• Clean the rollers from all sides and hang them on a nail or hook.
• There is no need to rinse the rollers after cleaning it in water or with a fabric softener.

Warnings

• Use protective gloves when handling oil paints and solvents.
• Read the instructions to know what ratio to mix paint with solvent.
• Keep oil paints and solvents away from open flames and in a well-ventilated area.

What do you need

• Paint roller
• Bucket
• Newspaper
• Towels
• Fabric softener
• Water
• Polyethylene film
• Aluminum foil (optional)
• Jar with lid
• Paint thinner
• Latex gloves