How To Clean Paint Rollers and Store Them
Paint rollers can make painting projects easier. They hold more paint than a brush and quickly cover large, flat surfaces, making them perfect for painting walls and ceilings.
If you don’t clean paint rollers after using them, they may be ruined. Knowing how to clean paint rollers properly will help to ensure your painting project is free of debris the next time you’re ready to roll.
By following these simple instructions, you’ll learn the best way to clean paint rollers to ensure smooth paint application.
The Importance of Cleaning Paint Rollers
If you regularly clean paint rollers, you can reuse them several times. These tips will help you make the most of them!
Need help selecting a paint roller? Check out our guide.
Get the tips you need to extend the life of your rollers for future painting projects.
Supply Checklist: Cleaning Paint Rollers
Step by Step: Cleaning Paint Rollers
Step 1: Scrape Off Excess Paint
The best way to clean a paint roller cover is to start by scraping any excess paint off the roller and back into your paint tray with a putty knife or 5-in-1 tool. Then use up any paint that’s still on the roller by rolling it onto a piece of scrap paper.
Clean your roller immediately after using it for the best outcome.
Step 2: Wash the Roller Frame
If you’re cleaning a roller after using an acrylic- or latex-based paint like Aura®, Regal® Select, or Ben® interior paint, remove the roller cover and place it in a bucket of hot water with a few drops of dish detergent.
Place the roller frame in the bucket as well. Work the paint off the roller cage and handle, and use a wire brush to remove paint that’s lodged in the frame. Rinse well.
Step 3: Wash the Paint Roller Cover
Keeping the roller cover in the bucket, work the paint out of the fibres with your hands. When all the paint is removed, rinse the roller thoroughly with warm water.
To clean a roller after using oil-based paint, place the cover in a small container of paint thinner and scrape excess paint off the roller with a putty knife or the curved edge of a 5-in-1 tool. Let it dry.
Some people may find that cleaning a paint roller after using oil-based paint isn’t worth the cost of mineral spirits and the effort of proper disposal.
If you use a waterborne alkyd paint like Advance®, you can clean your paint roller with soap and water.
Step 4: Get the Water Out
Remove any lingering moisture in the paint roller cover by shaking out as much water as possible.
Step 5: Let the Paint Roller Dry
Once the roller cover and frame are clean, put the roller cover back on the frame and spin it to get as much of the water out as possible.
The paint roller can now be left to air-dry on its own. Stand the cover on one end on a piece of scrap paper or a drop cloth. To maintain its shape, avoid laying the roller cover on its side.
Step 6: Clean the Paint Tray
While the paint roller dries, turn your attention to the paint tray. To keep fresh new paint from mixing with old paint debris, you need to clean the tray thoroughly before reusing it.
To simplify cleaning your paint tray, use tray liners. They’re disposable and make cleanup much easier.
To clean the paint tray, wash it with warm soapy water and a rag, making sure you get in all the nooks and crannies.
Step 7: Rinse the Paint Tray and Let It Dry
Once you have finished cleaning your paint tray, wash away any residue by giving it a good rinse. Set aside to air-dry completely.
How to Store a Paint Roller
If you are in the middle of a project and will be reusing your paint roller within a few days, you can skip the cleaning process—for now. Simply wrap your roller in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator. Be sure to let your roller cover warm up to room temperature before reusing the paint that’s still on the roller.
Finished with the project? For longer-term storage, clean your paint roller, let it dry completely, and then wrap the cover in plastic wrap or a plastic bag to store it for next time. Storing the paint roller wet will damage it, so be sure it is completely dry first.
If you clean and store your roller cover properly, you should be able to use it several times. You can reuse your roller frame indefinitely if you clean it well and don’t allow paint to dry and harden in the frame over time.
Now that you’ve learned how to clean paint rollers and store them, you can prepare for your next paint project.
Visit your locally owned Benjamin Moore store for help with all your painting needs. Find more tips in our how-to section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many times can you use a paint roller?
A. If you clean and store your roller cover the right way, you should be able to use it several times. You can reuse your roller frame indefinitely if you clean it well and don’t allow paint to dry and harden in the frame over time.
Q. How do you store a paint roller?
A. If you’re in the middle of a project and will be reusing your paint roller within a few days, you can skip the cleaning process—for now. Simply wrap your roller in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator.
Finished with the project? For longer-term storage, clean your paint roller, let it dry completely, and then wrap the cover in plastic wrap or a plastic bag to store it for next time.
Q. When do you dispose of a paint roller cover?
A. Discard your paint roller cover when it is significantly worn out, shedding fibres, or is covered with paint debris. If you clean and store your roller cover properly, you should be able to use it several times.
Q. How long can a paint roller sit between coats?
A. Between coats, a paint roller can sit without being cleaned for a few days. To keep the paint from drying on the roller, simply wrap the roller in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator.
Q. How do you store a clean, dry paint roller?
A. Once your paint roller has dried after cleaning, wrap it in plastic wrap or a plastic bag to store it for next time.
