How to Reuse Paint Rollers

Co-authored by Jeff Baldwin

Last Updated: August 10, 2021

When working on a home improvement project, costs can add up quickly. One easy way to save money is to reuse paint rollers, rather than use new ones each time you paint. While the roller clean up may be a bit messy, it's a cost-savings process that pays off and helps the environment, too. Use these steps to help you to recycle and reuse paint rollers.

Steps

1
Roll the excess paint from your roller onto a disposable surface. As you finish up for the day or complete your project, use up as much paint on your roller as possible. The less paint on your roller, the easier the clean-up process will be. Roll excess paint from your roller onto newspapers, cardboard or any other disposable surface.
2
Remove paint from roller. Latex paint and oil-based paints require different methods of cleaning the rollers.^{[1]
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Research source}
- Wash latex paint from your roller with soapy water. Submerge the paint roller in a bucket of soapy water, swirl the roller around and squeeze excess paint from the roller with your hand.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jeff Baldwin
  Residential Painter
  Expert Interview. 26 February 2021}^{[3]
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  Research source} Empty the water, refill the bucket and repeat the process until the roller water rinses nearly clear.
- Clean oil-based paint from rollers with paint thinner.^{[4]
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  Research source} Wearing gloves to protect your hands, pour paint thinner into a clean paint tray, and roll the roller in the paint thinner several times. When mostly clean, submerge the roller in a bucket of warm, soapy water to clean it for reuse.
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3
Hang the roller to dry.^{[5]
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Research source} Cut off the side of an ordinary clothes hanger. Attach the roller to the bottom part of the hanger to dry. Drying the roller this way helps to save the nap, which keeps it fluffy for the next time you wish to use the roller. A roller with smashed nap may paint unevenly.
4
Store the dried roller in a sealable plastic bag. Insert the roller into a large, food storage bag and seal it.^{[6]
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Research source} If you don't have a food storage bag large enough to fit the roller, use a plastic grocery sack and tie it closed. By sealing or tying the bag closed, you keep the roller clean and dust-free for future use.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Can I wash paint rollers in the sink?

Jeff Baldwin
Residential Painter
Jeff Baldwin is a Residential Painter and the Owner of Baldwin Custom Painting. With two decades of painting experience, Jeff specializes in high-end residential and small commercial painting projects. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship, Jeff and Baldwin Custom Painting provide bonded/insured, licensed, and lead-safe certified services in residential painting, light commercial painting, and wood refinishing.

Jeff Baldwin

Residential Painter

Expert Answer

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You can, but try to scrape off as much paint as you can before washing it so it's easier to clean.
Question

After the roller is cleaned, does it need to be completely dry before using it again?

Community Answer

Yes, or the paint will run down your wall surface. It needs to be completely dried before reuse.
Question

How do I remove the nap? It appears to be stuck permanently.

Techdocgeek

Community Answer

You can try to soak it in water or paint thinner a while, then try to remove it.