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Cleaning and storing paint rollers properly helps to ensure your painting project is free of debris the next time you’re ready to roll.
The best way to clean a roller cover is to start by scraping any excess paint off the roller back into your paint tray with a putty knife. Then roll whatever paint might be left onto a piece of scrap paper.
If you’re cleaning a roller after using acrylic- or latex-based paint, like AURA®, Regal® or ben® Interior paint, remove the roller cover and place it into a bucket of hot water with a few drops of dish detergent in it. Place the roller frame into the bucket as well. Work the paint out of the roller cage and handle using a firm-bristle brush to remove paint patches lodged in the frame. Rinse well.
Work the paint out of the roller cover in the bucket with your hands. When all of the paint is removed, rinse the roller thoroughly with warm water.
Shake as much water out of the roller cover as possible.
Stand the cover on its end to dry on a piece of scrap paper or a drop cloth—do not lay it flat.
To clean the paint tray, wash it in warm soapy water with a rag.
Thoroughly rinse the paint tray and allow it to dry.
If you’re in the middle of a project and will be reusing your paint roller within a few days, you can skip the cleaning process—for now. Simply wrap your roller in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. Finished with a project? For longer-term storage, clean your paint roller, letting it dry completely, and wrap it in plastic wrap or a plastic bag to store it for next time.
You can tell a roller is getting worn out if it is becoming more difficult to get the paint out of it during the cleaning process.
If you clean and store your roller cover properly, you should be able to use it at least three or four times, if not more. You can reuse your roller frame indefinitely if you clean it properly and don’t allow paint to dry and harden in the frame over time.
Different paints require different clean-up methods for painting tools. Your paint’s Technical Data Sheet (TDS) will let you know the proper clean-up process for your project.
Visit your local Benjamin Moore retailer for help with all your painting needs. Find more tips in our How-To section.
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