Tundraco's Daily Living Guide to Home & Garden Paint Project Cleanups

Without a doubt, cleaning up from a project is a pain! Yet, it has to be done. Here are a few tips to make this chore a little easier…

• Number One: Read the cleanup instructions on the paint can, and follow them!

While it may be impossible to avoid having to clean up after a paint job, you can minimize the amount of work that you will need to do. When possible, the best way to avoid having to clean up is to not make a mess and to use all disposable tools.

• For instance, the Styrofoam meat trays that you get with store-bought meat can be used for mixing small amounts of paint.
• Use cheap, disposable brushes or sponges for small jobs.

• If you are only going to be stopping work for a few hours, or overnight, wrap paint brushes and rollers in plastic bags, seal, and store in a refrigerator.

• Keep a supply of baby wipes or paper towels near by to clean up spots as they occur.
• If you are going to be keeping your brushes, clean them as soon as you are finished using them. If the paint dries on them, they can be very difficult to clean.

No matter how careful you are when painting, inevitably paint will have gotten on something that you'd rather not have it on. If you catch the spot while it is still fresh, it will be easier to clean up. Water-based paint spots can be cleaned up with a little soap and water, while oil based paints need to be cleaned up with a solvent such as turpentine or mineral spirits.

If the paint has dried:

• On glass, use a mixture of vinegar and water or nail polish remover.
• For oil based paint stains, dab a little turpentine or paint thinner on the stain. Let it soak for a minute and then scrape the spot away. If you let the turpentine sit for too long, you may also lose a portion of any paint or finish that is under the stain.
• Removing paint stains from fabric can be difficult. Your success on removing paint stains from fabric will depend upon the type of paint and the type of fabric. For water-based paint stains try soaking the fabric in milk, a solution of warm vinegar and water, or a mixture of water and baking soda. If the stain was caused by oil based paint, use mineral spirits or turpentine. This treatment may ruin some fabrics.
• Cleaning skin: For water-based paints such as latex, warm water, soap, and lots of scrubbing will do the trick. For oil-based paints you can either let it wear off, or you'll need to use turpentine. Be forewarned the turpentine may burn and should never be used near your eyes or other soft tissues.

Paint must be disposed of correctly in order to prevent it from becoming an environmental contaminant. Most municipalities sponsor a hazardous waste 'trash' day, at least once a year. At these events there will be drop off points where you can bring old paint, pesticides, batteries, motor oil and other hazardous materials. Steps are then taken to dispose of these materials safely. Contact your local waste disposal authority for information on how to get rid of hazardous waste in your area.

• Paint can also be safely disposed of by letting it dry. Once dry it is no longer an environmental hazard and can be disposed of in a landfill.
• If you have a small amount of water-based paint to dispose of, simply leave the lid off of the can until the paint dries. This method is not recommended for oil based paint on two accounts – oil based paints are flammable, and they give off noxious fumes.
• Save your extra paint for a future project.
• Ask your local high school, religious institution, shelter, or theater group if they can use the paint. Also, check with your neighbors to see if they will take it off of your hands.
• Never pour paint down your drain or onto the ground. Not only do your run the risk of contaminating the water supply, but it can also be illegal.
• Paint thinner and other solvents can be reused. Simply let any solids settle to the bottom of the container, and use the clear fluid on top.