painting tips :: cleanup Wooster packaging and your paint can label provide detailed cleaning instructions. When followed, the applicator will continue to perform like new. Always clean painting tools immediately after using them. It's easier on you, and easier on the brush or roller. The Wooster Painter's Comb™ can really help during the cleaning step as well. Use separate brushes and rollers for oil- and water-based coatings. Why? Any residue of either paint left on the filament or fabric acts like glue for the other. Changing back-and-forth between paints makes cleaning progressively more difficult. Make cleaning easier by using separate applicators for each type of paint. Detergents with petroleum distillates have more cleaning power. If You Used A Water-Based Coating... Wash the brush or roller with warm water and detergent. Use a detergent that contains petroleum distillates (check the labels of household cleaners or laundry soaps). They do a better job "dissolving" paint than plain hand soap or dish soap. But any soap is better than none! Finish by rinsing with fresh water until the applicator is clean. What if your applicator just isn't coming clean? Many water-based paints today contain special resins that improve adhesion to the surface, gloss, and durability. The resins are similar to those used in oil-based paints! You may need to rinse the applicator with mineral spirits or paint thinner in order to clean it completely. Follow by a final washing with detergent and water in order to remove all of the thinner. If You Used An Oil-Based Coating... Wash the applicator with the solvent recommended on the paint can label, or use mineral spirits if that information isn't available. Continue rinsing with fresh solvent until the applicator is clean. Finish with a final washing in detergent and warm water in order to remove all of the solvent. However, if you're using a natural bristle brush do not give it that final washing—water makes bristle brushes flare and lose their shape (not good). After Cleaning Spin or shake the water out of your brush or roller, then squeeze it dry with a cloth. Stand roller covers on end to dry completely. Do not put them back into their plastic bags if they are still damp. Hang brushes until almost dry, then wrap them in their original packages or tin foil. The package restores the brush shape, helps prevent flaring, and protects the brush from damage. You'll also find the brush will cut-in more precisely if you store it in the package. Following all these steps for proper cleaning and storage is time well spent.