Finishing The Painting Job

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After you finish the painting job, remove wet paint spatters from painted woodwork by wiping them away with a damp sponge or rag. Dried splatters can be cleaned up with a light rubbing of very fine steel wool.

Roller and Brush Care

If you need to take a few hour’s break from painting or if you were not able to finish in one day, wrap and seal wet brushes or rollers in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a cool place. Soften them in water if you’re using latex paint or mineral spirits if you’re using oil-based paint when you resume painting. Take the time to clean quality brushes and rollers thoroughly for longer storage. Wash latex brushes under a steady stream of warm water or just let them soak flat in a tray of warm water. Use a small comb to rake paint flakes out of bristles. Towel away the excess water in the brushes and hang them up to dry the handle hole.

Clean brushes used with oil paint in paint thinner and hang them in a bucket of thinner. To keep bristle tips above the bottom of the can so they won’t bend while soaking, suspend them from a length of wire coat hanger set across the top of the open can. Remove the brushes after a few days then blot away the thinner with paper towels, wrap and store by hanging them. To clean a reusable roller of latex paint, wipe it repeatedly on a sheet of cardboard or newspaper until it appears nearly dry. Slide the roller cover off and hold it under running water until the water runs clear. Wash with soap and warm water, rinse, squeeze and blot lightly with a clean, dry cloth. Stand the sleeve on end to dry. Wash the roller frame in soap and water too. It is possible to clean a roller sleeve of oil-based paint with mineral spirits but it may not be worth it.

Touch-ups

For small nicks and scratches, a cotton swab makes a simple and disposable applicator. Pour a small amount of paint in a paper cup then dip the cotton end of the swab and use dabbing motions until you’ve covered the scratch.

Paint Storage

Clear glass jars and plastic milk jugs with lids make convenient containers for leftover latex paints. You will be able to see what paint colors you have and how much is left. Use a funnel to fill the container. Drop a few marbles in so you can stir paint just by shaking it when needed.

Keep A Paint Record

To document the paint you have used in redoing a room, write down the brand, color and finish of the wall, the trim and ceiling paints on a piece of painter’s tape. Stick the tape to the underside of the switch plate before you reattach it at the end of the job. Then when you need to do touch-ups or you want to repaint the room with the same colors, you’ll know exactly where to find this important information.

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