Painting Cleanup & Care.

Painter cleaning a brush in a sink

Painting Cleanup & Care.

Proper cleanup and storage ensures your painting tools will last and deliver beautiful results job after job.

How to Clean a Paintbrush For latex/water-based paints, stains and clears

Immediately after use, wash your synthetic brush with soap or mild detergent and warm water. Soften dried-on paint with hot soapy water, just make sure to work quickly. Never soak or let the water seep into the base of the filaments, into the ferrule. After the dried paint has softened, work the soap through the brush bristles and follow with a clear water rinse. Repeat the process if necessary.  For best results, use a Purdy® Brush Comb or Brush and Roller Cleaner to straighten bristles and place in its protective keeper. Hang to dry.  

You should never use natural bristle brushes for latex/water-based coating. If you make this mistake, you can still restore your brush’s softness by conditioning it. First, clean the brush with warm soapy water and let it dry completely. Then, use a dime-sized amount of linseed oil in the palm of your hand and work it into the bristles. You may need to repeat this step several times to completely repair the brush. Once soft, comb out the brush and place it in its yellow Purdy brush keeper until you’re ready to use it again.

Painter cleaning a brush in a sink

For oil/solvent-based paints, stains and clears

Clean your brush immediately after use. Check the back of the can label for the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning solution. Do not clean directly in the sink. In a lined paint tray or another disposable container, work the solution into the bristles to remove the coating by dipping and swirling the bristles against the surface. Change the solution periodically when it gets too dirty. Do not soak. 

Once the bristles are clean, use a Purdy Brush Comb or Brush and Roller Cleaner to straighten bristles and place in its protective keeper. Hang to dry. Read cleaning solution’s label instructions on how to properly dispose of the used cleaning solution.

clear coating a chair

How to Clean a Roller Cover For latex/water-based paints, stains and clears

Remove the roller cover sleeve from the painting frame immediately after using. Do not allow the paint to begin drying on the paint roller and never leave the roller sleeve soaking in water or solvent. Wash with soap and warm water.  

Use Brush and Roller Cleaner to scrape the paint from the fabric. Always use a clean container with clean soapy water and follow with a clear water rinse. For best results, use Brush and Roller Spinner to quickly remove excess water and then leave the roller cover to dry. 

painter cleaning a roller in sink

For oil/solvent-based paints, stains and clears

Clean your roller cover immediately after use. If cleaning oil-based paints, varnishes, lacquers and shellacs from your roller cover, closely follow manufacturer’s instructions in selecting the proper cleaning solvent (mineral spirits or paint thinner for paint and varnish, denatured alcohol for shellac, etc.). 

Do not clean directly in the sink. Dip cover into cleaner recommended by the paint manufacturer. Roll it out on a lined paint tray or another disposable container until clean. Do not soak. Repeat this process using a clean container and fresh cleaning solution until the roller cover is clean. Allow the cover to fully dry before next use.

rolling on a clear finish
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FAQs

Looking for help with something you don’t see covered here? You’ll find additional useful information in our Frequently Asked Questions section.