Applicator Maintenance Tips

Having the right tools and using them correctly is important. It is just as important to maintain your tools so you can extend the life of the products…this helps save money and ensures your brushes and roller covers work just as well as they first day you bought them.

Brush Maintenance

1. Clean brushes immediately after use. Do not soak brushes in solvent or water, as this can damage the bristles.
   
   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. Spin the brush into a waste area to remove excess thinner and then 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.
   
   TIP: Consider using one set of synthetic tools for oil-base products and another set for water-base products. It is much easier to clean the brushes if you don't switch back and forth between the two types of bases.

2. After cleaning, remove excess solvent or water by spinning the brush or using a mechanical spinner.

3. Use 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. Paint residue left in the brush will harden and "set" the bristles, which will lose their bend recovery. 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."

Roller Cover Maintenance

1. Remove sleeve/cover 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. You may want to purchase a spinner or frame to help remove excess water from the roller covers. String roller covers on rope or place on 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.

   Be sure to properly dispose of spent solvent.