How to Clean a Paintbrush
For latex/water-based paints, stains and clears Immediately after use, wash your synthetic brush with soap or mild detergent and warm water. Soften dried-on paint with hot soapy water; just make sure to work quickly. Never soak or let the water seep into the base of the filaments, into the ferrule.
After the dried paint has softened, work the soap through the brush bristles and follow with a clear water rinse. Repeat the process if necessary. For best results, use a Brush Comb or Brush and Roller Cleaner to straighten bristles and place in its protective keeper. Hang to dry.
You should never use natural bristle brushes for latex/water-based coating. If you make this mistake, you can still restore your brush’s softness by conditioning it. First, clean the brush with warm soapy water and let it dry completely. Then, use a dime-sized amount of linseed oil in the palm of your hand and work it into the bristles. You may need to repeat this step several times to completely repair the brush. Once soft, comb out the brush until you’re ready to use it again.
For oil/solvent-based paints, stains and clears
Clean your brush immediately after use. Check the back of the can label for the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning solution. Do not clean directly in the sink. In a lined paint tray or another disposable container, work the solution into the bristles to remove the coating by dipping and swirling the bristles against the surface. Change the solution periodically when it gets too dirty. Do not soak.
Once the bristles are clean, use a Brush Comb or Brush and Roller Cleaner to straighten the bristles and place in its protective keeper. Hang to dry. Read the cleaning solution’s label instructions on how to properly dispose of the used
cleaning solution.
How to Clean a Roller Cover
For latex/water-based paints, stains and clears Remove the roller cover sleeve from the painting frame immediately after using. Do not allow the paint to begin drying on the paint roller and never leave the roller sleeve soaking in water or
solvent. Wash with soap and warm water.
Use Brush and Roller Cleaner to scrape the paint from the fabric. Always use a clean container with clean soapy water and follow with a clear water rinse. For best results, use Brush and Roller Spinner to quickly remove excess water and then leave the roller cover to dry.
For oil/solvent-based paints, stains and clears
Clean your roller cover immediately after use. If cleaning oil-based paints, varnishes, lacquers and shellacs from your roller cover, closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions in selecting the proper cleaning solvent (mineral spirits or paint thinner for paint and varnish, denatured alcohol for shellac, etc.).
Do not clean directly in the sink. Dip the cover into the cleaner recommended by the paint manufacturer. Roll it out on a lined paint tray or another disposable container until clean. Do not soak. Repeat this process using a clean container and fresh cleaning solution until the roller cover is clean. Allow the cover to fully dry before next use.
