7 Easy Steps to Clean Up Quickly & Easily After Painting

A good paint job doesn’t finish when the last stroke of your brush leaves your wall; proper cleaning after painting is just as important as the painting itself. Properly cleaning your tools helps them to last longer, keeps your home looking fresh and clean, and allows you to start on your next project without worry.

Here’s some simple step-by-step instructions on how to clean up after painting:

1. Check Before You Go:

Before you pack up, take a moment to look at the soles of your shoes and your feet to see if you have tracked any paint onto your flooring or carpeting. A quick check will help ensure that you are not carrying paint into your home.


2. Clean Your Tools:

All tools used while painting should be cleaned as soon as possible after use:


For Water-Based Paints: Use warm soapy water to clean your tools.

For Solvent-Based Paints: Use a solvent cleaner to clean your tools.

Dry your tools after cleaning to prevent rust.


3. Rinse Your Brushes and Rollers:

Do not allow any paint to dry on your brushes and rollers.

Water-Based Paints: Rinse your brushes and rollers under running cold water, wash in warm water with a mild detergent and then rinse again.

Solvent-Based Paints: To clean your brushes and rollers after using solvent based paint, first rinse them using your solvent cleaner, then wash with warm soapy water.


4. Properly Store Your Paint Brush: 

When storing brushes wrap them with absorbant wrapping material such as paper towel and secure using masking tape to help retain their shape. Store your brushes flat as not to create any twists or kinks if possible.


5. Clean Paint Bottle Lip Prior to Closing: 

Wipe the paint bottle rim (or around the edge of the lid) clean with a damp cloth after every time you use it before closing securely to prevent having to clean or refinish the top edge of the lid every time you finish painting and assists with being able to easily reopen the bottle.


6. Clean Up Paint Mess After It Dries: 

Allow messes of paint that may get on glass surfaces such as windows/ doors and also on metal fixtures when cleaned with either solvents or paint thinner/gloss to dry prior to cleaning up with an air blower.When dry, use a damp towel or gently scrape the surface with a dull blade to remove the spill.


7. Fold and Shake Tape-Backed Canvas Drop Cloths: 

To avoid smearing paint, fold the edges of the canvas drop cloth towards the centre, take the canvas outside and shake, and re-fold for use next time.


Tip: A quick and simple final clean up will save countless minutes of scrubbing in the future and keep your tools protected while preventing accidents at the job site. 

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