Before using a new applicator, be sure that any loose hairs or fibers are removed or cleaned from the applicator. This can be achieved by any of the following methods:
- Wrap the applicator with masking or painter’s tape and then remove the tape completely, or
- Put new and unused applicator pads in the dryer for a spin, or
- Use a lint roller on the applicator pad until the lint-roller paper does not pick up any further hair or remains sticky.
Cleaning/disposal options for applicator pads and paint brushes between coats:
Applicator Pads
- Disposal. Allow the applicator pad to dry and dispose of it in a
proper trash receptacle. Once the applicator pad has dried it is inert
and non-toxic. Use a new applicator pad for each subsequent coat, or
- Cleaning. Clean the applicator pad completely:
- Using mineral spirits or paint thinner. This may not be practical as it will require quite a bit of thinner to completely rinse out all of the coating.
- Rinse the applicator pad with paint thinner, squeezing out as much of the thinner as possible between rinses (probably 2 or 3 times) and then wrap in it a plastic bag or tin foil. Wrapping it in this manner will prevent it from being exposed to oxygen.
Paint Brushes
- Cleaning method:
- Have two containers ready. One for the brush and one for the “used” paint thinner.
- Pour about 1 inch of paint thinner (mineral spirits) into one of the containers.
- Insert the brush into this container and press out the bristles into the thinner. Varnish will be released into the thinner.
- Pour the contaminated varnish/thinner mixture into the other can.
- Repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 several times until the thinner remains clear (no varnish).
- The brush is now cleaned and ready for the next coat or job.
- Disposal method. Allow the brush to dry and dispose of it in a proper trash receptacle. Once the brush has dried it is inert and non-toxic. Use a new brush for each subsequent coat.
TIP
NEVER just soak the applicator or brush in paint thinner, the Waterlox will gel and you will be applying what looks like little seeds on your next coat.
