Hi Everyone… I hope you’re well and enjoying the day!
Do you dread cleaning your brushes, trays and rollers between each and every coat? Does it ever stop you from starting or finishing a project?
Wet Paint Brush Storage is an easy solution that can save you precious time by eliminating extra clean-up!
Preventing a wet paint brush from drying out between coats is not a new idea. But I’d like to share my thoughts. When I do it, when I don’t, and my favorite method of wrapping my brushes.
When I Wrap It – When I Don’t
When I paint in latex/acrylic, Homemade Chalk/Mineral Paint, or oil (which I rarely use oil based products anymore) I feel clean-up between coats is NOT necessary.
Because of the consistency of the paints mentioned above, they can be wrapped and stored for a few hours or even over night without any worry.
When I use Milk Paints or Brand Name ChalkPaints, I’m a little more careful.
I find chalk and milk paints don’t work quite as well with wet brush storage. I will usually clean them, or only leave them for an hour or so.
Another consideration is the brush.
If I’m using a better quality Purdy brush, I take better care of it and take the extra time to clean. If I’m using a cheap chip-brush or dollar store brush, it’s definitely getting wrapped!
My Favorite Method
My favorite method of wet paint brush storage is wrapping it in plastic cling wrap. The brand really makes no difference. I have a roll of no-name wrap in my paint room at all times. Plastic cling wrap sticks to itself so its super easy to seal around the brush handle so no air can leak in. Works like a charm.
The Key to Wet Paint Brush Storage
They key to wet paint brush storage is keeping some paint in the brush before wrapping it in plastic, and then removing ALL the air bubbles so the plastic creates a second skin around your brush or roller.
This method also works with paint trays. Just create a second skin of plastic wrap on top of your left over paint. This way you don’t have to keep pouring it back into the can between coats. If you’re working with a larger tray, a plastic grocery bag or garbage bag will do the trick.
Other Wrapping Methods
Other popular methods are wrapping a brush or roller in a sandwich bag, plastic shopping bag, garbage bag or a purchased paint brush cover.
Many diy tutorials state the brush or roller should then be stored in a fridge or freezer. I’ve never done this because I don’t think it’s necessary. I’ve never had a problem storing at room temperature or in my cool basement. This has always worked just fine for me.
I’d love to hear what you think of wet paint brush storage. Do you do it? If so, what do you use? And how long have you left your brush in storage before picking it up to paint again?
Feel free to visit last weeks Q-T-T here. And if YOU have any ideas or tips you would like to share on the on the SI Quick-Tip Series, feel free to shoot me an email. 🙂
Have a marvelous day!
Denise x
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Doggy poo bags are good as well for storing wet brushes 🙂
lol…brilliant… I wouldn’t have thought of this one Steve!
Perfect help! Just what I needed to know. Thank you!
I have been using plastic wrap and ziplock bags forever as well. A professional painter I know buys his paint in 5 gallon buckets and just leaves his roller in the paint between coats. Sometimes for days at a time! Saves lots of money and time! As long as it stays wet there is no need to clean.
I’ve heard of professional painters doing this too Merralyn. I guess in a small way, its the ‘green’ way to go. Less product gets needlessly washed down the drain…eco friendly. 🙂
I wrap my wet brushes in sandwich bags between coats and if I know I won’t get back to my project for a day or two I pop my wrapped brush in the freezer. Once thawed, which doesn’t take long, it is good to go!
I’m sure this is going to sound silly, but I never thought the paint/brush would actually FREEZE! I guess I just figured the components in the paint didn’t allow for freezing. I’m always learning something new. Thanks Laurie 🙂
I use the cling wrap too with latex paints! Great when you have to stop and tend to other task and do not have time to clean it!
I agree Judy! Do you/have you ever use the cling wrap with chalk or milk paints?
I usually wash out my brushes each time I use them. The chalk paint (even homemade) seems to dry out more easily then acrylics or oils. Since it’s water-based, it really washes out easily, anyway. For years, I’ve been using artist’s brush cleaner (Pink Soap) to wash all my brushes. It needs only the tiniest drop, so a bottle lasts me forever. If I’ve needed to hold a brush over, I’ve used plastic zip-lock bags, but I like your idea of plastic wrap so that the air is really locked out. Next time I’ll try that. Thank you for the suggestions.
Thanks for the tip on Pink Soap Kat. Is Pink Soap similar to Dawn? I’ll have to give it a try!
Wow, great tip about the cling wrap. I rarely use the stuff because it does leave a sticky residue on many things. Makes it worth buying just for brushes. 🙂 Thank you!