How to Keep a Paint Roller Wet Between Uses
When it's time to take a break from painting, storing the roller so it stays wet can save time and money. You won't have to clean the roller until you're completely done with your paint job, and you avoid the temptation of throwing out the roller instead of cleaning it. Before storing a paint roller, roll off as much excess paint in your paint tray as possible. Then try one of these methods for keeping the roller damp, whether for a few hours or a few days. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Tall, round snack-food can
- Plastic wrap
- Plastic grocery or shopping bag
Instructions
-
Can Method
-
1
Wash the inside of the tall, round snack-food can with a damp, soapy rag. Rinse the can well to remove all soapy residue.
-
2
Place the open end of the can over the paint roller. Seal the open end by wrapping it with a small amount of plastic wrap.
-
-
3
Place the can in the refrigerator, where your paint roller will stay fresh for several days.
Plastic Wrap Method
-
4
Pull a 2-foot length of plastic wrap out of its container. Tear off the wrap along the box's cutting edge.
-
5
Place one edge of the plastic wrap on the bar extending between the roller and its handle. Hold this edge with one hand while using your other hand to start wrapping the plastic around the bar in a spiral direction.
-
6
Continue spiraling the plastic wrap onto the roller to completely cover it. If needed, cut another sheet of plastic wrap to cover the roller. Place the roller in the refrigerator, where you can keep it for several days, if necessary.
Grocery Bag Method
-
7
Place the wet roller inside a plastic grocery or shopping bag. Twist the bag around the roller.
-
8
Twist the handles of the plastic bag around the handle of the paint roller. Secure the bag in place with a twist tie.
-
9
Place the roller in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to several days.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
After removing the paint roller from the refrigerator, allow the roller to come to room temperature before you start painting again.
Keep the damp roller out of the heat. Heat may cause mold to form.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
More Like This
Comments
-
greenwitch
Apr 13, 2008
I use plastic storage or freezer bags. You can use quart and gallon sizes for brushes and small rollers. Walmart sells 2 gallon size freezer bags that are large enough for regular size rollers. Just put the whole brush or roller in the bag and zip close. Use the same bag over and over again until the job is finished!
