Caring for Paint Rollers

Have you ever noticed how many people simply throw away something like a paint roller when they are finished using it? By simply caring for paint rollers instead of throwing them away you will be able to save some decent money whenever you have a new paint job coming up. All that you need to do to learn the proper method of caring for paint rollers is follow a few simple directions.

Materials needed:

• Drop cloth (plastic or canvas would be best)
• Bucket
• Paint can
• Putty knife
• Water hose

Procedure:

1. Prepare. Prepare for cleaning your paint roller by first preparing the work area that you will be using. This means that you need to lay out the drop cloth so that you don't create any accidental paint stains, and that you hook up your water hose to the nearest spigot.
2. Rest and scrape. While holding the paint roller in one hand, rest it against an open paint can. When holding the roller, make sure that you have the roller edge pointed towards the opening of the paint can. Using a putty knife gently but firmly begin scraping the paint off of the paint roller. Run the putty knife along the paint roller at least twice to make sure that you get as much paint off as possible.
3. Turn and repeat. Turn the paint roller slightly, and repeat the scraping process. Repeat this as many times as necessary until you have removed as much paint as possible.
4. Set aside. Set the paint roller into an empty bucket and proceed to the next paint roller. Repeat the entire cleaning process for every paint roller that you have. If you have more than four paint rollers, you may need to have more than one bucket.
5. Rinse. Turn your water hose on until a low but steady amount of water is coming out of it. Use this water hose to begin rinsing off the paint rollers. Make sure that you collect the rinse water in the bucket as you rinse it off. This should remove the remaining paint from the roller with little problem. Repeat the process until you have finished with all of the paint rollers.
6. Dry and store. Set aside the paint rollers in a dry well ventilated area so that they can air dry. Once they have dried completely, store them somewhere that they will remain safe and dry.
7. Properly dispose and clean up. Properly dispose of the remaining paint, as well as the rinse water. If you are going to be holding onto the paint, make sure that the paint cans are stored in a well ventilated, but secure location that won't allow any pets or children to get into it. The paint water should be disposed of according to the local rules and regulations you may have in your local city.