Brushes & Rollers: For water based paints, this is how your would clean your brushes and rollers.

• Step 1: You would use three clean plastic containers large enough to hold the tools being cleaned. You will use these to create a wash bucket, first rinse bucket, and a second rinse bucket, which will be used in this process. So make your buckets by filling one bucket with soap and water, and the other two other buckets with clean water.


• Step 2: Once your assembly line of washing buckets is completed, you will want to place the item to be cleaned into the wash bucket with the soap and water.


• Step 3: Even though this paint is water based, there are still chemicals and other additives that can be hazardous to your skin, so using a properly protected hand, work the cleaning solution of water and soap through the brush bristles and roller cover. You want to make sure each item is thoroughly cleaned. The use of a brush comb will be helpful to remove dried paint and debris from deep within the bristles. Once that is done, and there is no paint or debris still in the bristles or roller covers, you can move to step 4.


• Step 4: This is where you want to wring out excess water and soap by squeezing the brush bristles and roller covers. Keep your gloves on, or whatever hand protection you chose, for this part of the process, as there may still be chemicals on the brushes and roller covers.


• Step 5: Place all of these items into the first rinse bucket.


• Step 6: Repeat steps 3 and 4. You will find that even though you thought all the paint and debris was out, once you are in clean water more shows up.


• Step 7: Now place the items into the second rinse bucket.


• Step 8: Rinse thoroughly, squeeze out any excess water, and move to step 9.


• Step 9: Allow tools to dry. Sometimes, if you are short on time to dry brushes and rollers quickly, use a brush spinner.


• Step 10: Replace brushes and roller covers back into their protective coverings.
  (If original coverings are not available, cover by wrapping a piece of glossy magazine paper around the bristles and roller cover. Store lying flat, and in a clean place.)

Buckets, Paint Trays, etc.: For water based paints the following steps should be followed to properly clean beckets, paint trays, etc.

• Step 1: Empty any excess paint into the appropriate paint can. If there is any debris in the paint, then dispose of the paint properly, and do not try to save it for touch-ups or later use, as it is not going to be very good. From here your job is simple.
• Step 2: Wash bucket with warm soapy water. You may want to wear rubber gloves, or some other protective hand wear.
• Step 3: Rinse thoroughly.
• Step 4: Remove excess water by wiping with a clean, dry rag.