![]() ![]() Practices to Follow when Cleaning Brushes and Rollers Cleaning Brushes and Rollers from Water Based Paint In this video, Scott Burt from Topcoat Review, demonstrates a simple wash system for a paint brush. Whether using water based or solvent based paints, the basic principle remains the same: use as little water or thinner as possible and and reuse it when you can. The good news is that the majority of the paints we use today are water based. The toxic ingredients in solvent based paints can cause tumors to be formed in fish and other water organisms. These heavy metals can contaminate the sediment and poison the food chain. Solvent paints can contain lead, mercury, zinc and chromium. When they eventually break down they deprive organisms of the oxygen they need to survive. These substances don’t mix well with water. Solvent based paint waste contains many organic solvents and compounds. When solvent based paint enters the waterways As they break down, they can reduce the oxygen level in the water making it difficult for fish and other organisms to survive. Paints also contain several biodegradable substances. Increased turbidity can also block out sunlight and reduce photosynthesis in plants. In addition to making the water “muddy” and unsightly, they can cause particles to clog the gills of fish, and restrict their ability to breathe. Paints contain solid pigments that can increase the turbidity of water. When water based paint waste enters the waterways ![]() When it’s time to dispose the water, use a sink that goes to a water treatment facility. When you finish cleaning, keep the water and reuse it to wash your tools again or to soak them overnight. Use a small amount of water and clean your tools in a bucket. If you absolutely must wash your tools outdoors, do not use a running hose. Water that enters the storm sewer system flows directly into our ponds, streams, rivers and lakes without being treated.” “The Storm sewers are the grates you see along the streets and are designed to collect rain water and snow melt only – nothing else! This system is in place to prevent flooding in our streets and to re-direct the water to a water source. In most municipal jurisdictions this antiquated practice is also illegal. The contaminated water enters the storm sewers and pollutes our lakes and rivers. Painters need to rethink the common practice of washing their tools outdoors with a hose. Pouring paint and paint contaminated water into the storm water drainage system is environmentally irresponsible. As an environmentally friendly contractor, Ecopainting places great importance to the issue of paint waste. When water is plentiful, some painters wash their tools outside with a hose without considering where the wash water is going. Sometimes there is no access to water, especially when painting in new construction projects. Painters wash their tools frequently, especially after jobs with many colour changes. Disposing of dirty paint water – What not to do ![]()
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