To help ensure you not only grab the right gear, but also take care of it like a true pro, we went straight to the source, tapping experts from some of the biggest paint brands in the industry to learn exactly how to clean paint brushes and rollers the right way.
Step One: Invest In Quality Painting Tools
A general rule of thumb: Good quality tools will go a long way in making you look the part of a paint-savvy pro. Not only will high-quality paint brushes and rollers help you obtain a smoother, more professional finish on your walls, but they’ll last longer, too. “Always use quality tools and quality paint,” says Rick Watson, the director of product information and technical services at Sherwin-Williams. “That will make a huge difference not only in the finish of your paint job but also in the ease of painting and the longevity of your tools.” Watson recommends choosing a brush with a wooden handle and metal ferrule (the part that connects the bristles to the handle), as plastic parts are more likely to fall apart with frequent use. “When it comes to bristles, it sounds counterintuitive, but you want to look for flagged bristles, meaning the ends are split or fuzzy and feel soft to the touch,” he explains. “This results in a smoother texture and sharper lines when cutting in.” Watson suggests a brand like Purdy, which also features densely-packed bristles made from a blend of nylon and polyester, which team together for excellent durability and shape retention. When it comes to rollers, the trick lies in pairing the right nap length with the texture of the wall you’re painting. Extremely smooth surfaces can handle a short nap (usually ⅛-inch to ¼-inch), while more textured surfaces (like brick) need a longer nap of ¾-inches. You should also invest in a durable paint tray that’s sturdy and ribbed on the bottom to help evenly distribute paint onto the roller.
Step Two: Prep Your Tools For Success
According to Mike Mundwiller, an end-user product experience manager at Benjamin Moore, there are a few things you can do before painting to ensure you’re getting the most out of your quality tools. He suggests running your hands over the bristles of your brush a few times to dislodge any stray hairs that could get into your paint, as well as lining your paint tray with a plastic liner or wrap to make cleanup a breeze. Another pro trick? Painter’s tape—but not the way you think. “Before your first application with a new roller, wrap the entire roller with blue painter’s tape, then pull it off,” says Mundwiller. “This will ‘defuzz’ your roller prior to painting, ensuring you don’t have any fibers deposited into your paint or onto your walls once you get going.”
Step Three: Pause Properly
If you need to take a break, you shouldn’t simply leave your paint brush or roller behind in a puddle of paint. For homeowners using a roller and paint tray, Watson suggests trashing the whole thing—but not literally. “If I’m using a roller tray, I will get a standard garbage bag and put everything in that—tray, roller handle with roller and brushes,” he says. “Be sure to close it tightly to keep the air out.” Both pros suggest painters can also prepare for brief breaks (think: an hour or two) by storing used brushes and rollers in plastic bags or tightly-wrapped plastic wrap, ensuring that all air is away from the surface of the paint. “If you are ending for the day and you want to pick it back up in the morning, wrap your tools and store them in a refrigerator,” suggests Mundwiller. “Just make sure that prior to starting the next day, you let the tools warm up to room temperature before painting with them.”
Step Four: Clean Paint Brushes and Rollers Quickly
This might not be what you want to hear, but it’s best to clean up ASAP post-painting. We get it—you’re exhausted and all you want right now is an iced coffee and Netflix binge—but muscle through to check the final task of cleaning your paint brushes and rollers off the list. Paint is infinitely harder to clean once it has begun to dry, and you could risk ruining your tools altogether if you wait until hours later to complete the job. “Proper cleaning and storage of all your paint tools is important,” says Watson. “I try to wash my brushes after each use as soon as I’m done.”
