The final steps of any painting job are to clean up messes, get all the paint off your tools and store your leftovers.
Cleaning Up Spills
Ideally, you should wipe up drips with a damp cloth before they dry. In some cases, you can gently scratch off dried paint with your fingernail or a sponge with a rough side. For more difficult dried drips, try mineral spirits or paint thinner if it won't discolor the surface. You can also buy products specifically made for cleaning up spills, such as OOPS! Multi Purpose Remover, MOTSENBOCKER's LIFT-OFF® (for latex paint).
To reduce the risk of pulling off fresh paint when you remove masking tape, remove the tape before the paint fully dries. If paint has dried, score lightly along the edge of the tape with a utility knife or razor blade before removing.
Fold the edges of drop cloths and plastic sheets toward the middle to avoid smearing small spills or drips on surrounding surfaces.
Putting Away Leftover Paint
Use a stir stick or small paintbrush to remove paint from the rim of the can, place the lid on the can and then gently tap the with a rubber mallet to firmly close it. Tighten the caps on "twist and pour" containers well.
Store paint at room temperature, where it cannot freeze and is not exposed to high temperatures.
If you don't want to keep the paint, most communities have drop-off sites. You might also be able to let it dry completely and then throw it in your local trash. Your city's website or office can clarify what the local regulations are regarding paint disposal.
Cleaning Tools
Clean brushes and roller covers before the paint dries dry. To remove excess paint from roller covers and brushes, apply as much of the paint as you can to the painted surface without marring the finish, and then use a rag or paper towel to remove as much excess paint as you can.
- If you used latex-based paint, clean up your hands and tools with soap and plenty of warm water.
- If you used oil/alkyd paints, clean brushes and rollers in a can or small bucket filled with mineral spirits or paint thinner. For your hands, use vegetable oil and a cloth or paper towel to rub off dried paint, or wipe you hands with a rag soaked in mineral spirits or thinner. Wash off any residue with soap and water.
Clean metal tools such as edgers, scrapers and paint trays immediately after completing the paint job. Wipe them dry to prevent rust.
Let any paint on glass dry thoroughly, then scrape off with a razor or scraper.
Allow the paint in the empty can and on the tray liner to dry before discarding.
Hang oily rags to dry completely before laundering, or immerse in an open container filled with water. Oily rags catch fire easily, particularly if piled up or placed in a closed container.
2008Dutch Boy Group