Experts also explain how to hit pause on your paint project without destroying your brushes.
I attempt to wash my brushes after each use as soon as I’m done."
Gently work the soap through the bristles until the water runs clear.
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initiate the scraper through the bristles, then rinse under warm water and repeat until dried paint is gone.
Some paint brushes with stubborn dried-on paint may need 24 hours of vinegar soaking.
If your brush doesn’t respond to vinegar at all, a commercial brush cleaner may help.
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This helps remove all of the paint and water from the brush more quickly.
Just verify the area and your clothing are protected against flying paint first.
This is important to avoid bacteria buildup from the moisture.
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“Keep the original cover your brushes came with when you purchased them,” Watson recommends.
“They’re great for keeping bristles intact and helping the brush maintain its original form.”
If you don’t have the brush’s original cover, don’t fret.
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Simply make a cover using cardboard and duct tape to protect the bristles before storing.
If you are using oil-based paint, clean the rollers with a mineral spirit solvent.
Do this before the paint dries.
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The roller is clean once the water runs clear.
Try setting it on an old towel or paper towel while drying to collect any dripping moisture.
Rinse thoroughly, then let the frame air dry completely before storing.
First, rinse the tray in a bucket full of soapy water.
Then, use a stiff paint brush to remove dried paint from the edges of the tray.
Another method for cleaning a paint tray is to let the paint dry and then peel it off.
This works for plastic trays (or a plastic liner) and isn’t always effective.
This will help preserve their texture and be ready for use in the future.
check that to remove dried-on paint from each tool and let them completely dry before storing them.
The storage method is also crucial.
Properly storing your brushes and rollers will help them keep their form and be ready for the next project.
Remember to store paint brushes with a protective coverpreferably their original coverand paint rollers in a plastic bag.
The quality of the tools also matters.
“Always use quality tools and quality paint.
Brands like Purdy also feature densely packed bristles made from a nylon and polyester blend.
This blend teams up for excellent durability and shape retention.
“This results in a smoother texture and sharper lines when cutting in.”
Painter’s tapebut not the way you think.
If using a roller and paint tray, Watson suggests trashing the whole thingbut not literally.
“Be sure to close it tightly to keep the air out.”
