Cleaning Your Equipment
Keep your brushes, rollers and tools in tip-top condition with our top cleaning tips.
Why brush care is important
If well maintained, you will find that a good brush improves with use, wearing into a shape that reflects the way that you use it and becoming silky smooth at the tip. This makes it much easier to use when painting edges or 'cutting in'.
If using brushes next day
Water Based Paints
Use a brush tub or jar of water filled up to the line of the paint to stop the brush from drying out overnight.
Oil Based Paints
If you have been using oil based paints the brush head may be left lightly wrapped in cling film.
If not using brushes for weeks/months
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step 1
Brush as much residue as possible onto paper or any other disposable surface to reduce the volume of paint on the filament surface.
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step 2
Wash the brush with warm water and washing up liquid (or if an oil based paint has been used first soak in a brush cleaner/white spirit and then wash out in warm water).
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step 3
If any paint has cured towards the ferrule of the brush you should remove this with a brush comb.
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step 4
Rinse the brush through until all paint residue has been removed.
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step 5
Use paper towels to blot filaments and minimise water retention in the brush head.
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step 6
Place the brush in its original packaging for safekeeping and to keep the filaments straight and in good condition. If packaging not available wrap brush in some card and an elastic band.
Professional Tip
Do not leave natural bristle brushes in water for long periods of time as this will invariably ruin them.
Never wash any type of synthetic filament brush in hot water or expose to direct sunlight for long periods, as this may cause the bristle filament to curl.
Why roller care is important
If looked after correctly, a roller can be reused again and again.
If using rollers next day
Roll as much paint residue as possible onto paper or any other disposable surface to reduce the amount of paint left on the roller.
Wrap the roller tightly in a plastic bag or with cling film to preserve the roller for the next day.
If not using rollers for weeks/months
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step 1
Remove the roller sleeve from its frame.
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step 2
Run some warm (not hot) water and place the sleeve under it until the water almost runs clear. This can be assisted by running a Tight Squeeze roller cleaner or 6 in 1 painters' tool across the sleeve. Use a twisting motion across the length for best results.
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step 3
Using warm water and washing up liquid wash the sleeve thoroughly.
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step 4
Stop the running water and apply the same actions across the sleeve to rinse out any excess water.
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step 5
Dry the sleeve using paper towels or a cloth and then store the sleeves vertically on its end.
Why tool care is important
All Harris high carbon bladed decorators tools have a protective film of lacquer applied as a barrier against rust before they leave the factory. However, once the tools are put into use, the lacquer is quickly worn away leaving them susceptible to rust if mistreated. Using our simple guidelines will help you have a tool for life.
If not using tools for weeks/months
After use always clean the blades, wipe over with a light oil and store them in their original packaging in a dry place.
Stainless Steel - These tools will never rust but clean off any surface marks and store in original packaging.
and if you’re not 100% happy we’ll give you your money back.