How to Clean a Paint Roller: 11 Steps

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2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Good paint rollers are expensive, but they can last a long time if they are maintained in the right way. The most important thing you can do to preserve your roller is to clean it properly every time you use it. While not difficult, cleaning a roller is messy and time-consuming, but the results are worth the effort.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Clean Water-Based Paints from Rollers

Step 1. Before you begin painting, prepare a 5 gallon (19 L) bucket of water and softener cleaning solution for each roller you plan to use

Fill each bucket with water and add 2 cups (0.473 L) of fabric softener and mix.
When the softener dissolves, it breaks the surface tension of the water, which causes the paint to dissolve faster.
If you prefer, you can clean the roller with clean water and a cap of light dish soap.

Step 2. Remove as much excess paint from the roller as possible by rolling and squeezing it onto the paint tray

You can also spread 4 or 5 sheets of newspaper on the floor and remove the paint from the roller by passing it over

Step 3. Immerse the roller in the bucket with the cleaning solution and shake it for at least 20 seconds

Step 4. Remove the roller from the bucket and rinse it with hot water under a tap until the water runs clear

Step 5. When all the paint runs off the roller, you need to remove as much water as you can before hanging it to dry

Roll it back and forth on an old terry towel or a thick layer of paper towels to absorb moisture.

Method 2 of 2: Clean Oil-Based Paints from Rollers

Do not use water to clean the rollers if you are using oil-based paint; the paint will not dissolve in water by itself, it must be removed with mineral alcohol or turpentine.

Step 1. Remove excess paint from the roller by rolling it back and forth on several layers of old newspaper

Step 2. Pour mineral spirits or turpentine (aka paint thinner) into a clean roller tray to wash your rollers

Add enough solvent to fill the tray to approximately 3 (7.62cm) deep.

Step 3. Roll the roller in the solvent back and forth, as if you are preparing to paint

Step 4. When the roller is clean, squeeze out the excess solvent by rolling it over several layers of old newspaper or an old towel

If there is still paint on the roller, refill the tray with more solvent, and repeat the process.

Step 5. Leave the roller to air dry, preferably by hanging it on a nail or hook

Step 6. When the roller is dry, cover it with wax paper, plastic film or aluminum foil to protect it from dirt and dust

Advice

If your painting project is interrupted for a short time, you can put the roller in a plastic bag or wrap it in film to prevent the paint from drying. You can also store a carefully wrapped roll in the freezer overnight. Just make sure you let it thaw completely before you start painting again.
Pour used mineral spirits or turpentine into an old coffee jar and close it tightly with the lid. Let the paint in the solvent settle for a day or two, then pour the clean solvent into another container to use again. Let the paint residue sit at the bottom of the jar for a few days before disposing of it properly.
Store the clean rollers on the side or hang them on a nail or hook.
There is no need to rinse the roller after cleaning it in water and / or cleaning solution.

Warnings

Use protective latex gloves when working with oil and solvent paints.
Check your local regulations on how to properly dispose of oils and solvents.
Keep oil paints and solvents away from open flames and keep the room where you paint well ventilated.

Things You’ll Need

Roller for painting
Dry
Newspaper
Towels
Softener
Waterfall
Clear film or plastic bags
Aluminum foil (optional)
Coffee jar with lid
Solvent for paint
Latex gloves

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