Primer On Paint Rollers: To Wash Or Not To Wash Between Coats

It is important to keep your paint roller fresh between coats. Leaving paint on your roller can cause it to dry out and become unusable. An easy way to keep rollers fresh between coats is to use cling wrap or aluminium foil. Cut off a good-sized piece of cling wrap and lay it down flat on a hard surface. Then place the paint roller at one end of the plastic and roll it forward. You can also wind the cling wrap manually around the roller. Another method is to wrap your roller in aluminium foil.

Wrapping rollers in cling film/plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent drying

Wrapping rollers in cling film, plastic wrap, or aluminium foil can prevent them from drying out between coats of paint.

Cling Film/Plastic Wrap

If you are taking a short break from painting (up to 5 minutes), a thick coat of paint on the roller is often enough to prevent the roller from drying out. For longer breaks between coats, you can cover the roller in cling film/plastic wrap. This can be messy, so you may want to wear gloves. Take the plastic wrap around the roller a couple of times and tear it off. Then, place the roller on a protected surface.

Aluminium Foil

Aluminium foil is a better option for longer breaks or overnight. Before storing, coat the roller generously with paint. Then, place the roller on a protected surface and wrap the foil around the roller, pressing down the edges to prevent air from getting inside. The foil retains a better seal than plastic wrap, keeping moisture in and air out.

Other Tips

• Refrigerating the roller will help it last even longer.
• For latex paints, avoid putting the roller in the freezer as this can cause the paint to become stringy and semi-solid.
• If you are using oil-based paints, you can put the roller in the freezer.

Cleaning rollers with soapy water or white spirit

When it comes to cleaning rollers, the process depends on the type of paint used. If you've been using non-oil-based paints, such as water-based or latex paints, warm water and soap are all you need. For oil-based paints, you'll need to use white spirit (also known as mineral spirits) or paint thinner. Acrylic paints require special treatment, such as a brush conditioner or conditioning hand soap.

Cleaning Paint Rollers with Soapy Water

• Remove excess paint: Before cleaning the roller, scrape off any excess paint using a putty knife or a 5-in-1 tool. You can then use a thin spot on the wall or newsprint to roll off any remaining paint.
• Disassemble the roller: Remove the roller from its mounting to clean it separately.
• Wash the roller frame: Clean the roller frame immediately while the paint is still wet. Use warm water and a few drops of dish soap, along with a small brush to scrub away any stubborn patches.
• Soak the roller in soapy water: Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap or detergent. Submerge the roller cover in the bucket and use your hand to work the paint out of the nap.
• Rinse and squeeze out excess water: Rinse the roller with a stream of clean water or in a fresh bucket. Shake or squeeze out the excess water from the roller.
• Air dry: Allow the roller to air dry by placing it upright on its end or slipping it over a pants hanger. Never lay the roller on its side to dry, as this will flatten the fibres.

Cleaning Paint Rollers with White Spirit

• Remove excess paint: As with cleaning rollers with soapy water, start by scraping off excess paint using a putty knife or a suitable tool.
• Disassemble the roller: Remove the roller cover from the frame to clean it separately.
• Clean the roller frame: Use a rag or paper towel dampened with mineral spirits or paint thinner to scrub away any paint clinging to the roller frame.
• Soak the roller in white spirit: Fill a container with enough white spirit or paint thinner to submerge the roller cover. Choose the smallest container possible to minimise solvent usage. Work the cover with your hand in the solvent to release the paint.
• Rinse and squeeze out excess solvent: After allowing the roller to soak for a few minutes, remove it from the solvent and squeeze out the excess. Rinse the roller with clean solvent if needed.
• Final rinse with soapy water: For a thorough clean, wash the roller cover in warm water with a few drops of dish detergent.
• Air dry: Allow the roller to air dry by placing it upright on its end or hanging it in a well-ventilated area.

Remember to wear protective gear, such as rubber gloves and eye protection, when working with solvents like white spirit or paint thinner. Additionally, always dispose of solvent-contaminated water properly, never pouring it down a stormwater drain.

Removing excess paint with a 6-in-1 tool or putty knife

Step 1: Choose the Right Tool

You can use either a 6-in-1 tool or a putty knife for this task. A 6-in-1 tool is a versatile tool used in painting and drywall projects, and it has a semi-sharp edge that can be effective for scraping. A putty knife is another handy tool with a flexible blade, useful for scraping and spreading putty or other materials. Select the tool that feels most comfortable in your hand and is suitable for the surface you're working on.

Step 2: Prepare the Area

Before you start removing excess paint, it's important to protect the surrounding area. Cover any nearby furniture or items with plastic sheeting or drop cloths to avoid accidental paint splatters. If you're working near electrical outlets or light switches, turn off the power supply to avoid any safety hazards. It's also a good idea to wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety goggles, to shield your hands and eyes from paint chips and dust.

Step 3: Scrape Away Excess Paint

Now, it's time to start scraping. Hold your chosen tool at a comfortable angle, and gently scrape away the excess paint. Start from one side of the affected area and work your way across. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, especially when working on delicate surfaces, to avoid damaging the underlying material. If you're using a 6-in-1 tool, you can utilise its different edges to find the most effective scraping angle.

Step 4: Work in Small Sections

Depending on the size of the area with excess paint, it's often helpful to work in small sections. This allows you to focus on one area at a time and avoid accidentally spreading paint to other parts of the surface. Take your time and be precise in your movements to ensure a clean and accurate job.

Step 5: Wipe Away Paint Chips

As you scrape, paint chips and dust will accumulate. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away these paint chips and keep your work area clean. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently remove any loose paint chips and dust from the area. This helps prevent paint chips from spreading and ensures a tidy workspace.

Step 6: Repeat as Needed

Depending on the thickness of the paint and the surface you're working on, you may need to repeat the scraping process several times. Be patient and persistent, as it may take a few passes to fully remove the excess paint. Take breaks as needed to avoid fatigue and ensure a steady hand throughout the process.

Step 7: Finish with a Smooth Surface

Once you've removed the bulk of the excess paint, take a step back and assess your work. Use your tool to gently smooth out any remaining paint ridges or uneven areas. Run your fingers or a gloved hand over the surface to feel for any bumps or imperfections. If necessary, apply a small amount of paint thinner or mineral spirits to a cloth and gently rub the area to blend any remaining paint edges for a seamless finish.

Remember, practice makes perfect. With time and experience, you'll become more adept at removing excess paint with a 6-in-1 tool or putty knife. This skill will not only help you achieve professional-looking paint jobs but also enable you to tackle paint mistakes and touch-ups with confidence.

Cleaning the roller frame and cover separately

When it comes to cleaning the roller frame and cover, the process will depend on the type of paint used. Here is a step-by-step guide for cleaning latex or water-based paint and oil-based paint from your roller frame and cover separately:

Latex or Water-Based Paint:

• Wash the roller frame: Start by removing the sleeve or cover from the roller frame. It is important to clean the frame while the paint is still wet. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid or detergent. Use a cloth, sponge, or stiff-bristled brush to wipe away any paint from the frame and handle. For caked-on paint, use a wire brush to lift it off. Rinse the frame and dry it with a cloth or paper towel.
• Clean the roller cover: Rinse the roller sleeve in warm water and add a small amount of dish soap or detergent. Work the soap into the sleeve and massage out the paint. Rinse the cover in clean water and repeat the process until no more paint comes out. Shake out the excess water and let the cover air dry standing upright. Do not lay it flat, as this will flatten the fibres.

Oil-Based Paint:

• Wash the roller frame: Put on rubber gloves and remove the cover from the roller frame. Clean the frame while the paint is still wet. Dampen a rag with mineral spirits or paint thinner and scrub away any paint clinging to the frame. You may need to use a stiff-bristled brush to remove caked-on paint.
• Clean the roller cover: Put on rubber gloves and eye protection. Pour paint thinner or mineral spirits into a container large enough to submerge the roller cover. Choose the smallest container possible to minimise solvent usage. Work the cover with your hand to release the paint. After a few minutes, remove the cover and gently squeeze out the excess solvent back into the container. Carefully pour the used solvent into a disposable bottle. Rinse the cover with clean solvent, then remove it and let it dry in a well-ventilated area. Finally, wash the cover with warm water and a few drops of dish detergent, and stand it upright to dry.

Storing rollers in zip lock bags or their original packaging

When you're done painting for the day, you'll need to clean your rollers to prevent the paint from crusting and ensure you can reuse them. However, if you're taking a short break and plan to continue painting within a few hours, you can wrap your roller in aluminium foil or cling film to prevent air from drying out the paint.

If you're looking to store your rollers for the long term, it's best to clean them first. Once they're dry, you can store them in their original packaging or a zip lock bag. This will keep them safe and ensure they don't get damaged.

Frequently asked questions