Cleaning paintbrushes, rollers and any decorating kit is time-consuming, but you have to do it. Avoid it, and it won't be long before you're hitting your local hardware store or online looking for new ones.
However, it's not something you need to do every time you finish painting a wall, door or anything else for that matter.
Professional decorators and DIYers use a few smart tips and tricks to keep their painting tools ready for action – without going through the whole cleaning process. Adopt these, and you'll be ready to jump straight into a paint project without waiting for your kit to dry.
Storing kit between paint jobs
The key thing to remember when it comes to storing your brushes and rollers between jobs is that it is a short-term solution. It's ideal if you're taking a few hours off or coming back the next day, but how long you leave your paint tools will determine (to a certain extent) what method you use to keep them fresh.
“Short-term storage works by slowing the drying process, so it should not damage the tool if it is sealed properly and only left for a short period,” says Billy Joe Jarvis, MD and owner of paint supplier Premium Paints.
This means for short periods, there are a few options:
1. Water in a jam jar method
For solvent-based paints, I use the classic water-in-a-jam-jar method. Obviously, make sure your brush will fit in the jar/container before you start.
Get a clean cloth/rag/piece of cardboard/side of paint kettle and remove excess paint. Fill the jar with enough water to cover the bristles, but not the metal ferrule. When ready, wipe away the water and start using it again.
2. Wrap brushes and rollers
The aim with this method is to stop paint on brushes and rollers from drying out. Wrapping is one popular professional method that's again ideal for water-based paints.
The best place to find a suitable wrapping material? Your kitchen drawer. "Paintbrushes and rollers can be wrapped tightly using cling film or airtight plastic bags," says Mark Irving, building specialist at Build & Plumb.
The key here is to wrap tightly. I often use small bin liners, wrap tightly and use painter's tape to seal the bag. This works well for overnight storage as well.
Rollers are different though says Mark. “Rollers can be stored inside dedicated plastic storage tubes (like these ROLLINGDOG Paint Roller Sleeve Protective Cases from Amazon) or wrap them in damp paper towels before placing inside a bag.”
I've personally used both methods. First, I remove excess paint so it doesn't drip, but not too much, since the paint helps keep the roller moist. Then put it in a bag, squeeze out the air, and seal it with painter's tape.
Another unexpected DIY option I have used is an empty, clean Pringles tube. These are an ideal fit for a standard 9-inch roller sleeve – the size you'd use for painting new plaster, walls and ceilings. Again, remove excess paint, place it in the tube (I leave it on the roller handle and take it off once in the tube) and fit the lid to seal.
3. Storing paint trays, kettles and more
Alongside short-term storage for paintbrushes and rollers, you also need to consider paint containers such as roller trays, paint kettles, and paint scuttles. "Paint trays and pots should be covered with a damp cloth and then sealed tightly with foil or cling film to stop a skin from forming on the paint,” recommends Mark Irving.
I have used both of these methods, and both work well. As an extra step, I put cling film directly on the paint surface to help keep it fresh.
Premium Paints is a UK supplier of trade paints, sealers, coatings and application tools, offering products for domestic, commercial and industrial projects. Its range includes floor paints, driveway and patio sealers, specialist coatings, masonry paints and woodcare products.
Mark has over 20 years of experience in the building sector, leading to a wealth of knowledge surrounding building and renovating that he enjoys sharing with others who are looking to complete their own building projects.
Storing or cleaning: which should you do on your next paint project?
However, as all of the above are short-term solutions, when working on a paint project you need to decide when to store and when to clean. Both options have their pros and cons which will also be influenced by the length of the decorating job you are undertaking.
Pros and cons of storing decorating kit
+ Time saver
The obvious plus point is the time you save, explains Mark Irving. "Skipping cleaning tools between work or coats enables you to pick up directly where you left off."
+ Environmentally-friendly
“Storing not only saves time but reduces paint, water and solvent waste, which makes it useful between coats,” shares Billy Joe Jarvis. Mark Irving adds, “you will not need to use as much water, soap or chemical paint thinners when temporarily stopping work."
– Short-term solution
Realistically, storing is not a long-term option. "Storing unwashed tools should only be done for overnight or multi-day breaks. It's not suitable for long-term storage," warns Mark.
Pros and cons of cleaning decorating tools
+ Keeps kit fresh
“Thoroughly washing tools ensures that pigment is removed before it can harden,” shares Mark Irving. If it does start to harden, it can ruin bristles or roller nap.
+ Longer lasting, better finish
Cleaning instead of storing helps keep tools cleaner and Mark explains why. "Using clean gear stops old, dry residue from flaking off into fresh paint.” Brushes that are washed and dried will last longer.
– Time-consuming and messy
There's no denying that cleaning takes longer agrees Billy Joe Jarvis. “Washing brushes, rollers and paint trays will cut into project downtime," adds Mark. “It can also be messy; rinsing water-based paint down the sink or using solvents for oil-based paint creates mess and environmental waste.” Storing means you can do this less frequently.
Shop these to help store and clean your paint kit
This double-edged cleaning tool helps remove paint from paint brushes and rollers for quicker and efficient cleaning
White spirit contains the ingredients to ensure that solvenrt-based paint can be easily removed from paintbrushes and rollers
A pack of five plastic inserts for 9-inch roller trays. Ideal for less cleaning and a smart choice when you want a quick switch to a different paint colour
Cleaning and storing for longer periods of time
Keeping your kit in water and wrapping it are great short-term solutions. However, if you want to keep your paintbrushes, rollers, and equipment in tip-top condition when you're not using them for a while, you need options.
1. Paintbrushes
Paintbrushes need to be cleaned correctly. “Brushes should be washed thoroughly, and bristles reshaped,” starts Mark Irving. “Store brushes inside their original cardboard keepers where possible to maintain their shape, and hang them by the hole in the handle."
Ensure you use White Spirit like this No Nonsense White Spirit from Screwfix, or a specialist brush cleaner for solvent-based paints.
2. Rollers
Cleaning paint rollers with emulsion and other water-based paints is straightforward, explains Mark Irving, “Wash rollers until the water runs clear, and then stand them upright on their ends to dry.” Don't lay them flat, as this will leave flat spots on the nap.
“Store inside, clean, dust-free bags. Food bags or small bin liners like these OKKEAI 5L Bin Liners from Amazon will do the job.
Rollers used with solvent-based paints provide a different challenge. Typically, 4-inch rollers are used with oil-based paints for painting doors, sills and woodwork. Drop the roller into a suitable container, cover with white spirit, and squeeze out paint by hand (wear gloves), or use a roller cleaner like this ROLLINGDOG 4 in 1 Paint Brush Cleaner Tool from Amazon.
You may need to repeat the task to get it totally clean. When clean, wash in hot soapy water, rinse and leave to dry.
3. Trays, scuttles, kettles and tins
Professionals typically leave their paint kettles and scuttles and only clean them out occasionally. After a job, they brush out the paint so that it coats the inside of the scuttle. Leaving this to dry means a dry layer of paint develops. Over time, as the layers increase, once they are thick enough, you can pull out the paint. It comes out whole, often with the help of a scraper.
However, DIYers can take a different approach. Use a scrubbing pad and water to clean out after every use. Alternatively, use liners like these CORAL 73336 Paintwiz Paint Scuttle Liners from Amazon.
Storing paint correctly is also key to ensure an airtight seal that keeps the paint fresh and Mark Irving shares his top tip.
After pouring paint into a container, wipe the rim before replacing the lid. "Then, place a piece of cling film over the opening. Hammer the lid down over the cling film with a rubber mallet. Storing the can upside down can create an airtight seal – but only do so if you are sure that the lid is 100% secure.”
Paint and tools should also be kept in temperature-controlled environments, adds Mark, recommending you avoid unheated spaces like garages or sheds. “Your kit should also be completely dry, as this will prevent metal cans, blades and roller frames from rusting,” he notes.
I store my paint in an understairs cupboard and my paint tools in an insulated outhouse.
Storing paintbrushes, rollers and paint correctly means you will always be ready for your next paint project, but make sure you don't need to do the job twice by understanding how to choose a paint colour and the decorating mistakes to avoid.
