How to Clean & Maintain Your Painting Gear

If you’ve ever pulled out a paintbrush from your kid’s last painting project that wasn’t properly cleaned, you’ll remember it ended up hard, unusable and in the bin.

Properly caring for painting tools is an adult’s concern too. If you want to save time and money on shopping for brushes and reuse your painting gear for your next project, you need to know how to clean a paint brush and how to maintain painting tools for a smooth, professional finish on every project

Washing Your Brush and Roller

Looking after your quality brush and roller can make all the difference to your job so it’s important that you take the time to properly prepare and care for your tools.

How to Clean a Paint Brush and Roller After Use


To keep your tools in top shape, clean them thoroughly once you've finished painting.

If you’ve used water-based paints, rinse paint brushes and rollers in warm, soapy water.

For oil-based paints, use the right solvent first, followed by soap and water.

A paint brush cleaner or brush comb is also useful for removing paint from deep within the bristles, especially near the ferrule. This keeps your brush soft and ready for the next project.

For rollers, the comb also helps remove trapped paint from the fibres. Shake off excess moisture and let your tools dry completely before storing.

Before painting

Before painting

Once you choose your brush or roller, you need to wash them before painting. This is a vital part of the process because the water makes it easier to load paint, achieve better coverage upon application and results in a much smoother finish.

Prep your roller by washing it out thoroughly under the tap, which should also remove any excess lint. With your brush, soak it in an inch of water for 10 minutes. Ensure you shake out excess moisture from both your brush and roller as you don’t want any drip marks on your surface. 

In between painting

In between painting

When you’re waiting to apply your second coat, leaving paint on your brush or roller can cause them to dry out and become unusable. Save time washing them out – instead, wrap up your tools in aluminium foil between coats.

This will keep the paint on your brush and roller fresh for a long period of time.

Keep paint

Keep paint

While you’re waiting for your first coat to dry, it is also important to use aluminium foil to cover the paint in your trays, pots and buckets to keep it fresh.

When you’re ready to tackle the second coat, give the paint another stir in case any colour separation has occurred.

On completion of your paint project

Once you finish painting at the end of the day, you need to clean your brush and roller properly so you can continue to use them over and over again.

Essential Tools and Products for Paint Brush Maintenance


Some tools make paint brush care much easier. A brush comb clears paint from the base of the bristles, and a roller spinner can quickly clean rollers. 

Buckets or containers come in handy for soaking and rinsing, but remember to wash them too so they’re clean for your next project. Wrapping brushes and rollers with roller covers in cling film is a smart way to protect tools protected between coats. 

Knowing how to prep a paint roller and clean it properly helps extend the life of your gear and gives you neater, more consistent results.

How to Maintain Your Paint Brush for Long-Term Use


Don’t throw out your brushes after each use. After thorough cleaning, reshape the bristles while they’re still damp and hang the brush upside down or lay it flat to dry. 

Tip: Avoid soaking brushes for long periods, as this can weaken the adhesive near the ferrule, causing a worse result on your next project as brush fibres may fall out as you paint.  

Once dry, store brushes in their original packaging or in a resealable pouch. Keep them away from direct sunlight or damp areas.

With the right habits around paint brush care, you’ll spend less on replacements and enjoy a better painting experience in the future. 

Whether it’s learning how to store paint between coats or cleaning rollers after a big job, a little maintenance goes a long way.

Take care of your brushes and rollers today, and they’ll take care of your next project.

Should I Wash My Paint Roller Before or Between Coats?


Yes, you should wash a paint roller before use. Rinsing under a tap removes loose fibres or other residue and preps the roller for even coverage. If you're learning how to prep a roller for painting, this step is essential.

If you’re applying a second coat later the same day, there’s no need to fully wash the roller. Instead, wrap it in cling wrap to keep the paint from drying out. This is a practical method for storing a paint roller between coats without wasting time or paint. If you’re planning to use the roller again in a few days or up to a week, wrap it in aluminium foil on top of the cling film and you’ll have no problems using it again.

Use cleaning tools

Use cleaning tools

The best way to remove excess paint from a brush or roller, is to use a quality brush comb. A comb will effectively brush out all roller cover materials and brush filament, easily reaching those tough areas near the ferrule where paint can get stuck. Using after each use, will prolong the life of your roller or brush.

Wash with water

Wash with water

Wash your brush thoroughly in a bucket of warm, soapy water. Make sure you dispose of the water safely.

Store in keepers

Store in keepers

Once dried, store your rollers and brushes out of the elements. You can store your brushes in the brush keeper while the rollers can be stored in a zip lock bag.

FAQs

Why is it essential to wash painting tools before use?

Washing paint tools before use is an important painting maintenance tip, as it allows paint to apply to surfaces better and helps to achieve that flawless finish you desire.

How can I prevent my brushes from drying out during breaks?

Wrap your brush tightly in cling wrap or aluminium foil to prevent the paint from drying out.

What are the best tips for paint roller care?

Like brushes, you can also wrap your rollers in cling wrap or aluminium foil to stop the paint drying and hardening the roller. Use the curved end of your 5-in 1 Paint Scraper to get remove excess paint and wash it out in a bucket of warm, soapy water.

How long should I soak my brushes before painting?

We recommend soaking your paint brush for 10 minutes in an inch of water prior to use.

How to clean paint brushes

Use a brush comb through the bristles, making sure you get in close to the ferrule where paint can get stuck. Wash out in a bucket of warm, soapy water.

What's the most effective way to store paint brushes and rollers after use?

Monarch’s brush and roller products come in packaging that doubles as a handy storage solution. This includes zip lock bags and canisters for roller covers and re-sealable brush holders for brushes.

Should I Wash My Paint Roller Before or Between Coats?

Yes, you should wash a paint roller before use. Rinsing under a tap removes loose fibres or other residue and preps the roller for even coverage. If you're learning how to prep a roller for painting, this step is essential.

If you’re applying a second coat later the same day, there’s no need to fully wash the roller. Instead, wrap it in cling wrap to keep the paint from drying out. This is a practical method for storing a paint roller between coats without wasting time or paint. If you’re planning to use the roller again in a few days or up to a week, wrap it in aluminium foil on top of the cling film and you’ll have no problems using it again.

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