A good brush should last years, not one job. Five minutes of cleaning is the difference — here is how to do it properly.
Quality brushes and roller sleeves are an investment, and the thing that decides whether they last for years or get binned after one job is how you treat them at the end of the day. It takes five minutes.
Cleaning
- Water-based paint washes out with warm water. Work the paint out from the base of the bristles down, then rinse until the water runs clear.
- Oil-based paint needs the appropriate solvent, followed by a wash to remove the residue.
- For rollers, scrape the excess paint back into the tin first — it saves paint and makes cleaning far quicker.
Drying and storing
Reshape a clean brush and hang it or lay it flat to dry, never standing on the bristles. Once dry, keep brushes in their wrapper or a brush keeper so they hold their shape. Store rollers standing on end.
Between coats
If you are coming back in a few hours, you do not have to wash up each time. Wrap the brush or roller tightly in cling film or a bag to keep the air off and the paint from drying — just make sure it is properly sealed.
Look after them and good tools keep earning their place. We stock trade brushes and sleeves built to be cleaned and reused, plus what you need to keep them in shape.
