TIP 1: Instead of cleaning a roller each day, cover it in plastic wrap and tuck it in the refrigerator overnight. Let it return to room temperature before using it the next day. TIP 2: Clean a roller by running the curved blade of a 5-in-1 tool down the roller to remove all the excess paint. For latex paint, pull the cover half way off the frame and run it under hot water, using your hand to push the paint out of the fibers. For oil-based paints, pour solvent into the paint tray and dip and roll the cover in the tray. Replace the solvent for a final cleaning. TIP 3: Stand rollers on end to dry. Laying them down will crush the fibers on one side and create and uneven roll the next time they’re used. See the rest of the Beyond the Basics: Painting series:
