How can I clean a roller brush?

To effectively clean a roller brush after painting, follow these steps which are based on the information from a Benjamin Moore video:

Cleaning Your Roller Brush: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning your roller brush properly extends its life and ensures a better paint job for your next project. Here’s how:

Remove Excess Paint:
- Before cleaning, try to remove as much paint as possible from the roller cover. You can do this by rolling it over a clean area, such as a piece of cardboard.
Prepare Cleaning Area:
- Fill a bucket with the appropriate cleaning solvent. For water-based paints, use water. For oil-based paints, use mineral spirits or paint thinner, following safety precautions for proper ventilation.
- According to the video, place the roller frame into the bucket.
Work the Paint Out:
- Using a firm bristle brush, work the paint out of the roller cage and handle.
Rinse Thoroughly:
- Rinse the roller cover and frame under the solvent until the solvent runs clear. This indicates that the paint is removed.
Final Rinse and Drying:
- If you used a solvent, rinse again with warm, soapy water to remove the remaining solvent.
- Shake off excess water from the roller, and allow the roller to air dry completely before storing.

The video specifically mentions using a firm bristle brush to remove any lodged paint from the frame and cage.
Rinse the frame thoroughly after removing the paint.

Don't let the paint dry on the roller. Clean it immediately after use.
Use a paint can opener or similar tool to scrape excess paint off the roller before washing.
Proper solvent Use the right solvent for the type of paint used.
Ventilation When using solvents, work in a well-ventilated area.
Safety First Wear gloves to protect your hands from solvents and paints.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your roller brushes clean, extend their life, and ensure they’re ready for your next painting project!