Paint Clean Up Tips
There are many excellent home improvement and home repair projects that homeowners can use to spruce up the roof over their head, but few are as low cost and high impact as slapping on a new coat of paint.
Painting a room can transform the entire look and feel of the living space, make a small room look bigger, a big room look smaller, and any room look more inviting.
While painting or repainting a room can be a great creative exercise, few homeowners look forward to cleaning up afterward. Fortunately, there are some steps that can be taken to minimize the time it takes to clean up after a painting project.
Plan Ahead
One of the best ways to make cleaning up after a painting job a lot easier is to plan well ahead of time. It is important, for instance, to lay down plenty of drop cloths, old towels, rags and other items to keep paint off of furniture, floors and other parts of the room. It is well worth the investment to purchase or borrow some old sheets or rags to use as drop cloths. This preparation will help to reduce or eliminate the problem of removing paint from surfaces that should not have been painting.
Seal Off Surrounding Surfaces
A liberal application of painter’s tape will also help to make cleaning up after the job a great deal easier. Painter’s tape looks a lot like masking tape, except that it is often blue, and the fact that it is designed to peel off easily after use, without damaging woodwork or other surfaces. It is important to apply this painter’s tape to woodwork, molding, trim and other surfaces that will not be part of the painting project. This tape can also be used around light fixtures, electrical outlets and light switches.
How To Clean Up Paint Spill
If any paint does get on unwanted surfaces, it is important to remove it as soon as possible, before it has had a chance to dry in and set.
How To Clean Up With Latex Paint
Most latex paints can be removed with just warm water.
How To Clean Up With Oil-Based Paint
For oil-based paints, it will be necessary to apply a solvent or paint thinner to remove unwanted paint.
When using oil-based paints It is a good idea to purchase a bottle of solvent or paint thinner before starting the project. That way it will be easier to clean up any spilled paint or remove paint from unwanted surfaces.
Cleaning Up: Clean Brushes and Rollers
This warm water, solvent or paint thinner will also come in handy when it is time to clean the paintbrushes. It is important to remove the paint from the brushes as soon as possible after the project is over, as this will help to keep the brushes in tip-top shape for the next painting project. If latex paint has been used, the brushes can simply be soaked in warm water to remove the paint. If the paint was oil-based, the brushes or rollers can be soaked in paint thinner or solvent. Again, it will be easier to clean the brushes if they are soaked right after use.
The brushes will also need to be thoroughly washed, but before washing them, be sure to hold the brush between the palms and spin it. This will help to remove any excess water or solvent from the brush.
After the excess water or solvent has been removed, the brushes and rollers can be washed in warm soapy water. Be sure to rinse the brushes and rollers well, and try to reshape the brushes back to their original shape before storing them. The brushes and rollers can be hung up to dry, and they should be stored only after they have completely dried. If the original package is available, storing the brush there will help it to retain its shape. Rollers and brushes should be stored in a dry location and kept clean until their next use.
An Added Bonus Tip
To make your set-up easier when you have to return to continue painting within a few days, put your paintbrush and roller in a tightly closed zip-lock bag. Get the excess paint off with a clean rag. You do not have to clean them. Simply put them in the bag with the remaining paint on them and voila! They will be ready to use again.
Hire a Professional Painter
Do you have a busy schedule and just do not have the time or even the desire to start your much-needed painting project? Does this cleaning up after a painting project guide seem like a lot to have to do? Hire a professional painter! You can sit back and relax after a long stressful day in a room that is completely updated and beautiful. It’s time to enjoy your new ambiance.
Contact Carolina Blue Painting today! We would love to help you bring your room to life.