Paint clean up and disposal

Clean up

If you are planning to continue your painting project the next day, just keep the paint, brush and/or roller in the paint tray and cover with foil or cling wrap. The next morning, run the brush or roller over a newspaper a few times and it will be ready to use.

After the job is completed wash the rollers and brushes and paint tray with water for water-based paints or mineral turps for solvent-based paints.
Do not dispose of washing down stormwater or exterior drains. Allow washings to settle in a bucket overnight, pour off the clear water onto soil, gravel or down an internal sink that is connected to the sewerage system. Scrape the remaining sludge onto newspaper, allow to dry, then discard into household waste.

TIP: Do not use a spinning tool to clean brushes, as this will make your brush flare.

Wrap the clean brushes and rollers with newspaper and secure with a rubber band. Store the brushes flat or hang them on hooks.

Excess paint can be stored in the can.

Disposing of unwanted paint

Never dispose of unwanted paint by pouring it down household or storm water drains.

Water-based paints can be treated with Dulux Envirosolutions® Waste Paint Hardener. This product turns the liquid paint into a solid mass, which can then be disposed of responsibly. Unwanted solvent-based paints can be disposed of by pouring the excess onto an absorbent material such as kitty litter, cardboard or shredded paper. Allow to dry before disposing. The can, once emptied, can be placed in household recycling bins.

Disposing of large quantities of paint

For the disposal of larger quantities of paint, contact your local council.
Sustainable practices are at the heart of our business. Dulux are proud to offer a Paint Take-Back Service as part of our commitment to the environment. Refer to painttakeback.co.nz for details.