Since every item in the market gets its price soaring every time, we want our purchased items to serve their purpose well and if possible, can be repeatedly used to save money.  We try to apply different maintenance methods to keep them still useful after their first use.  This is true in the tools we use to improve our homes, just like the paint roller cover.

This cylinder-shaped fabric that covers a paint roller frame comes in different materials, thicknesses, and sizes.  This paint roller cover is the one that absorbs and applies paint to a surface, it varies depending on the type of paints or surfaces of the project.  You can actually reuse these items if you can take care of them well.  So, how to maintain and restore the functionality of your paint roller cover?

Choose the Right Roller Cover

Select a high-quality roller cover to avoid shedding fibres and wearing them out faster.  The fabric of the cover must be compatible with the latex or oil-based paint you are about to use and also the texture of the surface you will be applying the paint on.

Remove Excess Paint Properly

After using the paint roller, be sure to remove all the excess paint on it by using the putty knife or even the edge of a paint tray to squeeze out leftover paint.  By doing this, cleaning them will become more manageable.  

Clean the Roller Immediately

Dried paint buildup can make the roller stiff and unusable, so don’t permit the paint to dry and harden on the roller cover.  Clean them immediately, warm running water with mild soap can free them with water-based paints.  Once the water you are using runs clear, it is time to spin the roller to remove excess moisture.  On the other hand, to remove oil-based paint, use solvents like mineral spirits or paint thinner in a container to remove paint on the roller.  When free of paint already, wash it with soap and water.  Don’t forget to allow your rollers to air dry completely before keeping them.

Store Your Paint Roller Properly

When fully dry, seal it in a plastic bag or aluminium foil to maintain its shape and prevent dust or dirt from coming in contact with it.

Revive a Dried Roller Cover

If in case you forgot to clean them immediately and the paint has dried out, you can soak it in warm, soapy water for several hours to loosen water-based paint.  Meanwhile, soak the roller cover in mineral spirits or paint thinner to soften the oil-based paint.  But still, the best practice is to clean them right away after use.  

Avoid Common Mistakes

Avoid paint drying on them and don’t assume that quick rinse is enough to clean them.  Also, don’t leave them soaked for an extended period of time, this might break down the adhesive inside the roller cover.  

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your tools keeps them in good condition, saves you money, and serves you efficiently for more projects to come.