What is the best way to clean paint rollers?

Question

After using emulsion paint as I never seem to be able to get it all out. Cheers

Answer 1

Have to just keep rinsing out with water,takes time,but it works.After a decent rinse,try and find somewhere to spin out the excess water so it doesnt dry hard

Answer 2

Cleaning Paint Rollers

Answer 3

Not knowing where you are, or the cost of supplies and materials there, I still suggest that if you're having a problem, just dispose of the roller nap.

In the USA roller covers are affordable enough that MY usual practice once finished, is to dipose of them.

That said however, and having been in the business for a long time, I often "load" a roller with the color I'm using, put it in a plastic bag removing as much air as possible and the roller will stay viable for at least 3 days, when I know I may use that same color in a short time frame.

The other suggestion,,, and not knowing if your reference to "Emulsion" is water based or Oil, I might rinse,,,if water base as much as I can, leave the nap very wet, and bag it the same as above, but perhaps with the express purpose of using a darker color next time, soon. The paint that remains in the roller cover can be rolled out, on your next task and mixed with the new/darker color and blend well enough that it won't be an issue, and hopefully you do a second coat anyway.

Of course, much of this is a Moot point if the situations I refer to don't exist.

Rev. Steven

Answer 4

I'm just painting my daughter's bedroom so have a similar problem. My Dad (the fount of all wisdom) recommends warm, soapy water after a good rinse - leave your roller in the tray and run the tap over it for a good 20 minutes. Then get some washing up liquid or hand wash and give it a good scrub. Also, I use a small, 'radiator' roller, as I find the large ones too heavy. They cover just as well and are a lot easier to clean.

Answer 5

Ah, I'm glad to hear you clean yours! Roller covers always work much better when they are used (we use new ones for the primer coat).

Sherwin Williams sells a nifty little gadget that has an end that slides into the roller cover. The other end is a handle that you pump, and the roller cover spins. I find it good to wash the roller cover with lots of water and soap, and then soak it with water, THEN SPIN SPIN SPIN!! Do this inside a 5 gallon bucket, or in a large utility sink, though.

The same tool will spin a paintbrush dry, too. It's a good investment, but test before buying to make sure the pumping action is smooth.

Answer 6

When I paint a room, I rarely get it done in one day.
So, I wrap the roller very well with saran wrap or other kitchen plastic wrap, including part of the metal handle part to the roller . It stays fine for a day or so. I also put a layer of wrap on the paint still in the roller tray and the entire surface to keep a film from forming. I wrap brushes as well tightly to remove all air. Beats putting it all away and hauling it all out again.
When I'm finally done, I rinse all well with warm water until it runs clear, blot well, shake the excess off the brushes and set the rollers vertical to dry.

Answer 7

Go to QVC and buy the Dandy Roller Kit. it is absolutely fantastic!!! it is basically a tool which adapts the roller sleeve to fit a drill, spin it for 7 seconds in a carboard box, dip the slleeve in water (after switching off the elec.) then spin it again. Not only clean but dry too!! included is a brush adapter too.... I have never seen it elsewhere except the Millenium Dome in 2000 as part of the Innovations of the millenium!!

Answer 8

Run a hose up and down the roller, then squeze the roller a few times! That should get the paint off in no time!!

Answer 9

Fill a sink with water and roll the roller along the bottom exerting pressure to force the paint out. You may first need to emulsify the paint with a suitable brush/roller cleaner.

Horrible job but if you use lukewarm water it's a bit more pleasant. (Not much though).

Answer 10

If using small roller for gloss paint ,leave it in a bucket of cold water shake off excess in the garden, also applies to brushes. Water based paints.....throw away the sleeve, and buy more sleeves for the frame. To try and clean them requires too much water

Answer 11

1. If the paint is newly on the roller you can use water.
2. If the paint have over stayed you can use the colour you want to use.