I paint a lot, and I have found ways to make the paint clean up process much easier. As a seasoned painter, I’ve learned that the prep and clean up process can be just as important as the painting itself. When a reader asked me to recommend the best paint brands, I thought I would share my go-to paint clean up tips instead. After all, a clean paint job is not just about the finish, but also about the ease of clean up.
The Best Drop Cloth
Before you start to paint, make sure you have the right drop cloth. I’ve found that flattened cardboard boxes work the best since you can easily cut them to fit wherever needed, plus they are thick and if paint spills, it will not seep through and onto the floor. Old shower curtains are my next go-to. The dollar store is the best place to find these.
Keeping the Rim of a Paint Can Clean
Paint clean up will be very easy if you don’t get the paint can rim gunked-up. Right after I open a new can of paint, I use an awl and hammer to punch holes in the rim of the can. (I punch about 5 holes all around.) If any paint gets in the rim, it will drip right back into the can. This will save you from having to clean out the rim before placing the lid back on when you are done painting.
Another way to keep the paint can rim clean: It is not the best practice to dip a brush straight into the paint can when painting. It can contaminate the paint and also dry out the paint since the lid is off for a long period. I have been known to dip right into the can when doing a quick paint job or touch up. My bad, I know. When I have a bigger job, I usually pour paint into a tray or another smaller can, usually in an empty coffee container. If you are going to dip the brush into the paint can: You can buy wire scrapers that fit over a paint can to use to wipe some of the paint off of a brush after you dip it into the paint. You can buy these at the paint store. I like to use large rubber bands to do the same thing. I save all the rubber bands I get. Many of the large ones came to me via the mailman when he bundles my mail together. To use, simply place the rubber band over the can and wipe your brush across it. This keeps excess paint from getting into the rim.
Paint Can Accessories
There are many paint can accessories that you can buy at the paint store. All can be easily cleaned up with soap and water and re-used. Three that I like are:
- This is ingenious and comes in metal or plastic. It is called a Can Pour & Roll . It fits over the top of a gallon paint can. It has a pour spout, a grid that goes into the can to use with a paint brush or mini-roller, and a cut out section to wipe your brush. This simply fits inside the rim and makes pouring easy.
- This is a paint can replacement lid called, Pour Easy . It is great to use if you know you will have leftover paint in storage for a while. There is a spout that pops up and down that makes pouring and storing easy.
How to Clean Paint Off Your Hands
With so many paint formulas made as “paint + primer” nowadays, getting it off your hands is getting harder and harder. Some people wear latex gloves when they paint, but I find these are very uncomfortable. Instead, I remove the paint from my hands with Lava soap . It was how my dad cleaned his hands after doing any job that got his hands dirty. As the saying goes… “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” 🙂 It is a gritty pumice soap that easily scrubs off all the paint without drying out your skin.
Paint Tray Clean Up
When you paint as much as I do, buying paint tray liners can get costly. Instead of buying them, I like to use foil as a paint tray liner. It’s easy to clean up and can be reused multiple times. Simply place a sheet of foil in the paint tray and pour in the paint. When you’re done painting, simply remove the foil and throw it away.
How to Clean a Paint Brush
When you have a very paint-encrusted brush and need to let it soak for a while, you can use a magnet to keep the tips of the bristles away from the bottom of the can. I like to place the brush in a zip-top bag and refrigerate it until I’m ready to use it again. This helps the brush dry faster and prevents the paint from hardening on the bristles.
Tips for Storing Paint Supplies
When you’re not using your paint supplies, it’s essential to store them properly to keep them clean and dry. Here are a few tips:
- Use a paint bucket with a lid to store paint and supplies.
- Label the bucket with the contents and the date.
- Store the bucket in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- Keep the paint and supplies away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Conclusion
Paint clean up doesn’t have to be a chore. By following these simple tips, you can make the process easier and faster. Remember to use the right drop cloth, keep the rim of the paint can clean, and use the right accessories to make pouring and storing paint easy. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro at paint clean up in no time!
