Applicator Maintenance Tips

You took the time to select the right tools and use them correctly. It is just as important to maintain your tools so you can extend the life of the products and keep realizing an exceptional painting experience each and every time you paint!

Brush Maintenance

1. Clean brushes immediately after use. Do not soak brushes in solvent or water for an extended period of time, as this can damage the bristles and handle.
   

   Cleaning oil-base paints, varnishes, lacquers and shellacs from your brush.
   Closely follow the manufacturer's instructions to select the proper cleaning solvent (mineral spirits or paint thinner for paint and varnish, denatured alcohol for shellac, etc.) Pour the solvent into a container and dip the brush into the solvent. Work thinner through the brush bristles, dipping up and down in container several times.

   To get the excess thinner out of the brush, you need to spin the brush into an empty container that will capture the thinner as it flies off the brush. Do not rinse with water. Repeat process with clean container and clean thinner.

   Cleaning water-base paints from your brush.
   Warm water and mild soap suds are the best cleaning solution for water base paints. Prepare soapy water and pour into a clean container. Dip the brush into the mixture, working the soap through the brush bristles. Follow with a clear water rinse. Repeat the process if necessary.

   Always use a clean container with clean soapy water and follow with a clear water rinse. For stubborn water-base paints, try mineral spirits or lacquer thinner, followed by warm soapy water and a clean water rinse.

2. After cleaning, remove excess solvent or water by spinning the brush into a clean container or using a mechanical spinner. Professionals often have paint brush spinners to ensure that the maximum amount of moisture is out of the brush. If you have a lot of painting projects to accomplish, you may consider investing in one.

3. We recommend the use of a brush comb. This tool is very useful in cleaning through the center of the brush and removing any residue near the ferrule’s edge. (This is the point where the metal cap and the bristles meet.) Paint residue left in the brush will harden and "set" the bristles, which will lose their ability to bend and flex.

   Once clean, use the comb to straighten the bristles or filaments to prevent "fingering". Reshape the brush to its original shape, replace in its keeper and lay flat to dry. (After hard use, it may be necessary to steam synthetic brushes or dip bristle brushes in boiling water to aid in reshaping.)

4. Whenever possible, store brushes by hanging them. Never store a brush on its tip, which can result in "curling."

5. Be sure to properly dispose of spent solvent.

Roller Cover Maintenance

1. Remove sleeve from frame immediately after using.

2. Clean roller covers immediately after use. Never leave roller cover soaking in water or solvent.
   
   Cleaning oil-base paints, varnishes, lacquers and shellacs from your roller cover.
   Closely follow manufacturer's instructions in selecting the proper cleaning solvent (mineral spirits or paint thinner for paint and varnish, denatured alcohol for shellac, etc.) Pour the solvent into a container and dip the roller cover into the solvent. Repeat this process using a clean container and fresh solvent until the roller cover is clean.

   Cleaning water-base paints from your roller covers.
   Wash with soap and warm water and rinse until clean. Repeat the process if necessary. Always use a clean container with clean soapy water and follow with a clear water rinse. For stubborn water-base paints, try mineral spirits or lacquer thinner, followed by warm soapy water and a clean water rinse.

3. Dry and store your roller covers with care. String roller covers on rope or dowels to aid in drying the sleeves. Don't stand roller on its end or lay it on its nap. Dry thoroughly before storing in dust-free cabinets or boxes.