Quickly Clean Paint Rollers
This PVC pipe-and-hose assembly forces water through the nap to thoroughly clean a paint-covered roller.
Cleaning roller covers is a real nuisance, but here’s an easy way: Cut a piece of 2-in.-diameter schedule 40 PVC pipe, making it 2 in. longer than the cover. Glue a 2-in. male fitting on both ends of the pipe. Next, prepare two 2-in. caps. In one, drill eight 1/4-in. holes around the outside and another eight 1/8-in. holes inside the outer ring of holes. In the other cap, drill an appropriate- size hole in the center to accept a hose adapter fitting. Insert the adapter and fasten it with a locking nut and washer. When you’re ready to use it, put the plastic ends from an adjustable roller frame inside the ends of a paint-covered roller cover (to force the water through the nap). Insert the roller cover into the pipe, and screw on the cap with holes, adding a small rock to keep the roller cover from plugging the holes. Then screw on the other cap, hook up a hose, and watch the water turn from paint-colored to clear.
—Aaron Miller, Pollard, Ark.
Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #296
