Cleaning a Roller and Cover
Cleaning a roller cover takes a little time, so a decision needs to be made as to whether circumstances warrant cleaning the roller cover or throwing it away. As professional painters we will clean a roller cover more often than not, but if we use one for oil based paint we don’t bother and throw the cover away.
When using a roller it is important not to let it dry out. When painting and not using the roller keep it saturated with paint. Painting contractors will use a roller all day and if we step away for any period of time (like lunch) we will cover the 5 gallon bucket or paint tray and roller with a damp rag.
Once done with the roller, scrape the excess paint off of the roller with a putty knife or use the curved part of a 5 in 1 painter’s tool. If not cleaning right away, drop the roller in a bucket of water.
Cleaning a roller cover properly requires a hose outside and either a place outside that won’t get harmed by paint colored water or a utility/laundry sink.
Place the roller under running water and work the paint out with your hands. Spin the roller often while working the paint out. This will help clean it.
Make sure there is no paint on the roller frame that interferes with it spinning, paint on the arm or handle does not interfere with performance and is purely aesthetics.
Take the roller cover on the frame to the hose and using your hand or an attachment to create a higher pressure stream that will spin the roller. The faster it spins the better, but hold it at an angle or you will get soaked. Once you are satisfied place the roller frame with roller cover still attached somewhere where it can dry and the roller cover is not touching anything.
