Once you've completed your painting project, you'll need to clean up, store any extra paint for touch-up work, and dispose of any leftover paint.
Alkyd paints
To clean your brushes, work solvent into the bristles, squeezing out as much paint and solvent as possible. Repeat until paint disappears from your brush.
Rinse your brushes in a clear solvent, then wash in soapy water. Rinse and let dry. Wrap and store in heavy paper.
Rollers
Disassemble your roller and submerge the cover in solvent. When most paint has been worked out, wash the cover in mild detergent, and rinse in clear water.
Remove paint from frame and hardware with solvent. Hang roller to dry.
Water- Based (Latex) Paints
Follow the cleaning procedures noted above for alkyd paints, substituting soapy water for paint solvent.
Proper Disposal
Use cans of paint you have until they are nearly empty, reserving a small amount for touch-ups. Be sure to save alkyd products for hazardous waste collection.
In most states, latex paint can be disposed with your household trash once it has been dried out in a can. Leave the can lid open to show that the paint has hardened.
Recycle your dry, empty containers in your local recycling program. Also consider donating any products you don't use to a nearby community group or civic organization.
