Reuse Your Roller
Fact
Approximately 64 million gallons of paint each year are left over when jobs are done. Using a paint roller can help spread that paint a lot faster. There are even special textured paint rollers available, with sleeves designed to produce a variety of patterns. Make sure you don’t throw away that paint roller after the project is done.
Get Started
- Clean the roller immediately after use. Scrape excess paint off with a putty knife or paint stirrer to aid in the process
- Not done but taking a break? Wrap the roller in plastic wrap or a damp rag if you stop painting for more than a few minutes, preventing build-up
- Moisten the roller with water or paint thinner before use. This can help prevent paint from drying on the roller
Become a Pro
- Share painting supplies with friends and neighbors, less to buy and less to waste
- Volunteer to help a friend paint their space. You can bring your own tools and give them some reuse tips while you’re at it
- Reusable remolding supplies are great housewarming gifts. Make sure to include a reusable roller in your gift basket
As of June 17th 2011 we have upgraded our comment system to use Facebook comments.
The below comments are closed and are listed for historical purposes.
juana leibee
posted on August 25th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
talking about recycling: I have been collecting the cactus that I have found trown away piled up on the streets, waiting for the trash collector. and they are growing in my pots .
Rusty
posted on April 7th, 2011 at 6:44 am
I clean my paint rollers with a power washer. You need something to hold it upright by the handle, stand back and clean with power washer. Do this away from anything you don’t want paint on because the paint and water spray quite a distance. The high speed spinning action of the roller caused by the power washer leaves the roller fluffy and nearly dry when finished. Once it drys completely it is practically like new.
bogart
posted on April 13th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
I pour oil base paint from steel gallon cans into clear plastic jars such as peanut butter comes in. I do small projects and seldom use a gallon in a short time. It gets a thick skin on top from the empty space, so I fill a jar when it’s open.