Paintbrush and Paint Roller Practices

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Deciding on the perfect paint color is a chore in itself, but these days, the paintbrush and paint roller selection process can also be a bit overwhelming. There are so many different shapes, sizes, and prices, so how do you know which ones to buy? Once the application tools are smothered in paint, how do you clean them? And once they’re clean, how do you avoid having to purchase brand new brushes and rollers for future painting projects? Consider the tips below to guide you through the purchase to storage process.

Buy – The initial selection is determined by personal preference. Some people enjoy the fine finish that a paint brush provides, but most folks opt for paint rollers because of the efficiency factor. Paint rollers get the job done much quicker and can be attached to handles of various lengths. It also depends on the size of the area being painted because paintbrushes are definitely friendlier to smaller spaces.

Clean – The cleaning process depends on the type of paint used, but latex paint is definitely the easiest to clean because it is water-based as opposed to oil-based. To clean latex paint, start by scraping any excess off the paint or roller. Create a mixture of ½ cup of liquid fabric softener and a gallon of warm water. Swish the brushes/rollers around in the liquid several times until the paint is gone. To dry, shake vigorously and then dab with a dry lint-free towel.

Store – Make sure that your paintbrushes and rollers are completely dry before you attempt to store them. Lingering moisture, especially in hot and humid climates like Florida will cause mildew growth. To store paintbrushes, tightly wrap each brush in a paper towel or similar material to keep the bristles straight and together. Cover brushes and rollers in plastic bags or in a tightly sealed storage bin to prevent airborne debris accumulation.

Friendly Reminder: If painting just isn’t your thing, or if the project being tackled is just too large, you need not worry. Indoor and outdoor painting is just one of the many quality services offered by The Handyman Company. All you have to do is pick out the color and we’ll take it from there.