Green paint clean-up tips

Paint clean-up is most earth-friendly if you choose water-based (latex) paint and quality brushes and roller pads, and use as little water as possible for cleaning. Follow these instructions to lessen the impact of any kind of paint project clean-up:

1. Between coats of paint, wrap brushes and rollers tightly in plastic wrap for later use.

2. Before washing tools, remove excess paint by rolling or brushing off, or scrape off with a curved scraper.

3. Use odor-free mineral spirits to remove oil paint from brushes and rollers, then wash in warm, soapy water and rinse.

4. Wash latex paint tools with water. Use several buckets of water rather than washing under a running tap. Keep the buckets of used water if your job will take several days. The paint will settle overnight. Pour the clear water off the top to use again. Discard used water down a sink drain, not in the grass or gutter!

5. Keep leftover paint for touch-ups, projects, or give it away. Take paint-laced thinners and unwanted oil paints to a household hazardous waste center. Pour small amounts of latex paint on a piece of cardboard, let it dry outdoors, and throw it away.