Knowing how to clean your tools properly can make a painting project much easier. Some inexperienced painters end up purchasing new trays and rollers because they do not know how to clean the equipment properly. However, properly cleaning a paint tray, for example, is not that difficult. At Pro Roller Company, Inc., we offer a wide range of painting products and accessories, including paint trays, to help you complete your painting projects with exceptional efficiency.
Below is a useful step-by-step process for cleaning up a paint tray:
Pour Unused Paint Back into the Can
It does not take a long time to clean a paint roller tray and you can extend their service life by doing so after each painting job. Cleaning these trays also gives you an opportunity to preserve leftover paint in the paint tray for future projects. After you are finished painting, poor the unused paint in the tray into the paint can as long as it is uncontaminated. You can use a paintbrush to direct the paint into the can before covering it with the lid. Another way is to lean the paint tray against the wall, letting the paint flow into the can. Either method saves your leftover paint and makes the tray much easier to clean.
Cleaning the Paint Tray
It is important to clean the paint tray before you use it again because all paint left in the tray may lift and mix in with the fresh paint. If the old dry paint makes it onto your roller or brush, you could end up with unsightly lumps of paint skin applied to your surfaces.
If you are painting with oil-based paint, wipe the paint tray clean with a rag. Loosen the old paint in the tray by pouring in some thinner. Distribute the thinner around the tray with a brush. As needed, use a putty knife to scrape away dried up paint that is difficult to remove. Pour the remaining solvent into an empty jar or bottle. Then, use warm soapy water to wash the tray and place it in a well-ventilated area to dry.
If you are painting with a latex or water-based paint, allow any paint left in the tray to dry completely. Use a putty knife or your hand to dislodge the dried paint from the tray. You can scrape any remaining pieces of paint that remain attached to the tray. If you need to use the tray immediately after a paint job, drain leftover paint into a paint can and combine some warm water with a little dishwashing liquid to wash out the inside surface of the tray.
To learn about the various paint trays and other painting products we offer at Pro Roller Company, or to order products, give us a call today at 800.325.9561 or fill out our contact form. Also, please visit our website.
