Pro painters understand the value of leaving a clean, organized jobsite after the day is done. Customers appreciate it, and the morning crew does too.
When it comes to paintbrushes, proper cleaning and storage of these tools is not just a matter of good customer service and organization; it also protects a valuable investment. Pro paintbrushes can get pricey, but when properly cared for, they can last for many jobs to come.
Aside from the hassle of cleaning the paintbrushes, one big challenge many painting contractors face is deciding where to clean them. While it’s never recommended, some contractors opt for the customer’s sink. To find better options, we talked to contractors about their best practices for keeping those paintbrushes clean without angering customers or frustrating plumbers.
Storing Brushes
First things first: Only clean that paintbrush if you must. Wrapping and storing a brush that will be used with the same paint and color the following day saves time and water. A brush cover is a handy tool to have on the jobsite to keep those brushes wet (some advertise up to 60 days) and ready for use the following day.
Before the dawn of commercially available paintbrush covers, plenty of pros used anything from foil to plastic wrap—those methods still work well for limited storage.
Washing Brushes
The proper technique for washing paintbrushes is often a matter of preference, but a few things are always true:
Remove as much excess paint as you can from the brush before cleaning. It saves valuable paint while also making the process easier and limiting the mess.
Wash the brush:
For latex paint, swish the brush in warm water and work in a specially formulated brush cleaner or regular dish soap. Remove the remaining paint and soap by swishing in water until the brush is clean.
If using oil-based paint, use mineral spirits instead of soap and water. Work the mineral spirits into the bristles, push out the paint, and swish.
Use your fingers or a paintbrush comb to straighten and reshape the bristles.
Hang the paintbrush upside down in its original brush keeper to dry so it holds its shape.
Use Buckets, Not Sinks
While many contractors and homeowners feel that they can justify sending small amounts of paint down the drain, any amount of paint can lead to problems with septic tanks and wastewater systems. Regulations vary widely, so talk to your local public works department to find the proper disposal methods for your area.
“We use five-gallon buckets. This way we don’t have to use client sinks or risk them saying we clogged a pipe or damaged anything,” said Kimberly Gilleland from Red Tulip Designs. “One bucket is for clean water, one is for waste, and one is filled halfway to clean tools. Those buckets go back to the shop once the project is complete, solidifier is added, and the bucket is sealed and thrown in the trash.” Gilleland even took the extra step of confirming the process with their waste management company.
When using products containing alkyd, Mike Miraglia from Jet Painting also uses a bucket system. “First, massage the solvent into the brush (using proper PPE, of course) and then brush it gently with a stainless steel brush. Work the product out of the heel of the brush and then repeat the rinsing until the solvent is clear of any paint or stain. Sometimes it will take a fourth rinse! I spin the brushes by hand in between rinses. Finally, put the brush covers back on for storage.”
The three-bucket system is pretty simple. Swish brushes in bucket one, and squeeze the paint out in bucket two. Do this as many times as needed to get the majority of the paint out of the brush. The final rinse is done in bucket three.
After the project, you can add a solidifier or, if you have more time, simply leave the bucket out so that the water can evaporate. Then you can either dispose of the entire bucket or peel off the paint and dispose of it properly.
Of course, if you are bringing buckets back to the shop filled with paint, water, or solvent, make sure the lids and buckets are secured, or you could end up with a mess in your van.
To avoid spills on the ride back to the shop, Dario Montoya from D&M Fine Finishes uses buckets with screw-on lids filled with water. “With all the momentum on the way back, [the brushes] are almost clean when we get to the shop.”
Responsible cleaning practices can go a long way toward saving money, keeping the jobsite efficient, and keeping customers happy. They’re also a great way to showcase your professionalism.
For more pro painter tips, contact your BEHR Pro Rep.
How to Clean Paint Brushes Like a Pro
