How to Clean a Paint Tray and Roller

Any painting project can be made simpler if you know how to properly clean your tools. Many first-time painters have to buy new rollers or trays because they simply do not know how to properly clean the equipment. The following information can help you make better use of your painting tools and accessories.

Pour the Paint Back in the Can

Cleaning the roller trays and sleeves thoroughly will not take long and is helpful in prolonging their usefulness. As soon as you are done painting, pour any unused paint into the can if it has not been contaminated. Use a paintbrush to guide the paint back into the container before replacing the lid.

Run Cold Water Over the Paint Tray

Run cold water over the paint tray, rinsing away most of the paint. Use a scrub brush to remove the rest of the paint. Brush in a circular motion. Rinse the tray one final time after the paint is removed, and dry the container with an old cloth.

Remove the Paint from the Roller Sleeve

To clean the roller, work the tool over a scrap board, eliminating as much paint as you can. Then hold the roller over the sink with the water running. Grip one end of the roller and slide your other hand down the roller’s sleeve, using a firm grip. This technique will get rid of the lion’s share of the paint.

Clean the Roller’s Frame

Run the roller under cold water for a minute or two, and repeat the step above. Next, partly fill the sink with cold water and work the roller to and fro in the water. Repeat this step a couple times. Then remove the roller sleeve from the paint roller frame and thoroughly clean the frame. Use a scrub brush if needed.

Thoroughly Clean the Sleeve’s Pile

Work the pile of the roller’s sleeve with your hands under the cold running water. Repeat this step until the water is running clear. Then, place the roller sleeve back on the roller’s frame. Spin the roller to remove the excess water. Do this outside.

Store the Roller

When you store the roller, hang it so the sleeve does not touch anything. Let the paint roller air dry. It is best to buy more than one roller so you can use the tools interchangeably.

Two Other Roller-Cleaning Techniques

1. Buy a Roller Washer

If you really want to clean your roller well, acquire a roller washer. The washer is easy to use and reduces the time spent cleaning a paint roller by hand. All you need to do is to hook up a hose to a faucet. Slide the cover of the roller into the roller washer’s tube. Then turn on the water and it will flush out the paint in a matter of minutes.

2. Use a Pressure Washer

You can also spray off the roller with a pressure washer if you are painting outside. Attach the paint roller to a long pole and stand up a wheelbarrow for your backdrop. The paint will be cleaned off in a minute or two.