I found this out by accident a month ago while stripping my pocket door. I used a paint brush with the stripper and it had been used before and was pretty clean but had some paint hardened right down by the ferule. After stripping the door I did see that the paint on the brush had loosened, so I added more stripper and it cleaned up perfectly. After you’re done painting for the day, wrap the roller or paintbrush in a wet towel. Place it in a plastic bag or wrap it with plastic wrap, and then—here’s the secret—put it in the fridge. The roller or brush will stay fresh until you’re ready to paint again!
One of my readers asked me if it was a good idea to put their wet paintbrushes and rollers in plastic bags tokeep them fresh when you need to stop painting.
Early on in my career, I wrapped mine that way when I had a delay incontinuing the paint job. Well, I was surprised to find that the brushes were pretty dried out in spots and theroller cover was hopelessly stuck to the frame! Was I mad! Did I do something wrong?
Plastic wrap or plastic bags are not the ideal brush and roller wrapping material!
Plastic doesn't work well for a couple of reasons:
- It's hard to seal a plastic bag well unless you put the entire roller or brush inside.
- Even then, the excessive air in the bag still allows drying to take place.
- Wrapping a brush or roller in plastic wrap gives a better seal but is messy to deal with.
- Thin plastic wraps can be slightly porous, allowing moisture (from latex paints) or solvents (from oil-based paints) to escape, hardening the paint on the brush/roller.
My solution? Aluminum foil instead of plastic!
Why foil? Aluminum foil is virtually airtight when folded around a brush or rolled onto a roller and conforms to the shape perfectly, leaving minimal air for drying. A standard width piece cut about 12' long will cover a standard size brush or roller.
Be sure to leave lots of paint on the roller orbrush before wrapping to get the longest storage time!
How well does it work?
Store Paint Brush In Freezer
I have wrapped rollers covered with Kilz fast drying primer and had them still useable for a few days. I prefer to use thicker heavy-duty foil, which is less likely to tear. It is only a few cents more per roll than regular foil but well worth it. If you think your rollers will be in for some abuse once wrapped double-wrap them!
Want your brushes and rollers to last even longer? Refrigerate them!
If you want those wet brushes and rollers to last even longer, throw… sorry… place them in the refrigerator. Then their useful life can increase by weeks! In fact, I have found month-old rollers still useable, buried behind the veggies in my fridge. Not that it makes my wife very happy… but that's another story!
The freezer?? Not for latex paints!
Some folks think putting brushes and rollers in the freezer is even better. For oils, it doesn't seem to have a negative effect. But for latex paints, freezing can cause the paint to become stringy and semi-solid. These little bits of clotted paint will transfer to your work, leaving little lumps on the surface and making a general mess. Stick to the refrigerator!
Get a new look for less: Save thousands of dollars by painting—not replacing—your perfectly good (perhaps slightly outdated) appliances.
Photo: homedepot.com
Wishing for a way to refresh a kitchen or laundry room without sinking thousands of dollars into a renovation? If your outdated appliances are still in good working order despite some small signs of a little wear and tear, consider this familiar store-bought solution: paint. Just as a fresh wall color can invigorate any space, so, too, can a brush of bold color or coat of stainless steel completely transform your current refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, or dryer. Painting appliances can cover up their scratches, update the finishes, and even extend their lifespans—all without breaking the bank.
Pick the Right Paint
Yes, sprucing up your appliances can cost as little as $20, thanks to the power of paint. Depending on the appliance and its condition, you might need only a small bottle of specialized paint for touch-ups or an entire one-quart can for complete coverage. For long-lasting results and household safety, choose paints appropriate to your project.
- One option—good for unifying the color of your appliances and hiding nicks or discoloration—is to cover it with appliance epoxy paint. Application couldn’t be easier for this self-priming paint, with options to either brush or spray, and you’ll find all of your standard appliance colors available. Rust-Oleum Specialty Appliance Epoxy Spray (view on Amazon) and Krylon Appliance Epoxy Spray (view on Amazon) are both popular, widely used examples of such products.
- For appliances that do tend to heat up, like the oven or radiator, you’ll need to purchase a specialty heat-resistant product that is designed to withstand high temperatures. For “high heat” options, just like with regular appliance paints, Rust-Oleum (view on Amazon) and Krylon (view on Amazon) reign as the leading suppliers.
- Want to paint your appliance an unusual color—something other than the standard white, black, and silver to be found in the appliance paint category? Consider using regular spray paint, followed by an application of clear enamel gloss protective spray (view on Amazon).
Photo: dwellbeautiful.com
Store Paint Brush In Freezer
Before You Start
You’ve carried home your paint cans, but before you begin, remember: Safety first! Start by unplugging the appliance from the wall. Then, spread out a drop cloth and/or plastic sheets to protect your floors and surroundings.
- Remove all hardware (you’ll paint that separately) and give the appliance a thorough cleaning. A little ammonia works wonders to clean off any grease and oil buildup so the paint adheres properly. Just be sure to crack open a window and move some fans into the space for proper ventilation, as those fumes can be caustic. Leave these precautions in place if you plan to spray-paint indoors, or take this time to move the appliance outside before you clean and paint so that you won’t inhale any of the fumes.
- Next, rough up the surface of your appliance. While it may seem counter-intuitive to creating a fresh clean look, it helps the paint to bond to what’s likely already a slick, glossy surface. Rub a piece of steel wool in a circular motion across the entire surface of the appliance. High-gloss finishes may require an extra pass with 150-grit sandpaper or sanding block to really scratch up the surface and eliminate the shine. A clean, matte feel is the perfect canvas for a fresh coat of appliance paint. Take a damp cloth and wipe away all of the dust so it won’t interfere with your paint job.
- Now, strategically place painter’s tape to cover up logos as well as non-removable knobs and buttons. And speaking of cover-ups, you should mask your face to keep from inhaling fumes. While you’re at it, protect your skin with a long sleeve shirt and pants, especially if you’re using a spray can—this do-it-yourself project gets pretty messy!
+The Painting Process
Once your appliance is properly prepped, spray, brush, or roll on the product of your choice.
- If you choose to spray paint, keep the nozzle at a constant level and at an even distance (approximately 12 inches from the surface) for best results.
- If you’re using a brush or roller, use slow and even strokes to fully coat the entire appliance. If you notice the paint (particularly epoxy) bubble up, no need to panic; in most cases it will even itself out.
- Plan to apply two or three coats for a smooth, even finish. When spray painting appliances, you’ll most likely need 2 or 3 coats to ensure the surface is evenly covered, and one coat of enamel gloss protective spray if you chose to work with something other than specialty paint. Wait 15 minutes between applications, and when your satisfied with the results, allow your appliance to dry for 24 hours before touching—that includes hauling your masterpiece back inside. Painters who use a brush or roller may only require a second coat to give the appliance a smooth, even finish.
While painting appliances is not a permanent fix, it does offer you additional time to budget and save for those replacement appliances you’ve been dreaming about all along.