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Painting Tools — Maintenance & Inventory

Last updated 2026-05-18 · seeded from this Monday's SW Pro run (FrogTape Multi-Surface 1.41" + trim quart for Aceves finish)

Inventory

Roller covers

Item	Size	Nap	Use count	Last used	Notes
—	—	—	—	—	Fill as covers are added

Track each cover individually. Replace when nap mats, sheds visibly, or won't clean clear after a full spinner cycle.

Brushes

Brush	Width	Bristle	Use count	Notes
—	—	—	—	—

Pans, trays, frames

• —

Tape inventory

Tape	Width	Quantity	Last purchase	Notes
FrogTape Multi-Surface	1.41" (36mm)	1 roll (60yd)	2026-05-18 SW Pro	Premium trim tape · PaintBlock tech
ScotchBlue Original	—	—	—	—

Tools

• 5-in-1 painter's tool — confirm in kit
• Warner roller & brush spinner — not yet purchased (planned)
• Putty knives — quantity TBD
• Drop cloths — quantity TBD
• Brush comb — confirm in kit

Cleaning procedures

Roller covers (water-based paint)

1. Scrape excess paint back into can with the curved edge of the 5-in-1.
2. Soak in warm water + Dawn dish soap, 5–10 minutes.
3. Use the spinner inside a tall bucket — 30-to-60-second spin cycles.
4. Rinse and repeat until water runs clear.
5. Final spin-dry, then stand the cover upright to air dry.
6. Store standing on end (not flat — preserves nap).

Total time per cover with spinner: 3–5 minutes. Hand-cleaning is closer to 10–15.

Brushes (water-based)

1. Press the brush against the can rim to off-load excess paint.
2. Comb through the bristles with a brush comb in warm soapy water.
3. Rinse, then spin in the spinner.
4. Reshape bristles and store in the brush keeper or laid flat.

Tools (5-in-1, scrapers, putty knives)

1. Wipe immediately after use — don't let paint dry on edges.
2. Store dry.

Cover lifespan rules

Clean vs replace

• Clean: every job, within 15–30 minutes of finishing.
• Replace when: visible shedding, matted nap, hard dried paint spots, streaks during application, edge tearing.

Expected lifespan with proper care

• Purdy Marathon (knitted nylon/polyester): about 5× a standard cover.
  • Low use (1–2 jobs/year): 3–5+ years
  • Medium use (5–10 jobs/year): 1–2 years
  • Heavy use: 6–12 months
• Cheap covers: 2–3 jobs before degradation.

Storage between jobs

• Within 24 hours of next use: wrap in plastic bag (fridge is optional, slows the few millimeters of paint that did stay in the nap from skinning).
• Long term: clean thoroughly, air-dry completely, store dry.

Tape selection guide

Use case	Recommended tape	Why
Trim work (clean lines on wood)	FrogTape Multi-Surface 1.41"	PaintBlock tech gives sharpest line at paint/wall edge
General wall painting (less critical lines)	ScotchBlue Original 1.41"	Reliable all-around, lower price
Delicate / fresh paint	FrogTape Delicate (yellow) or ScotchBlue Delicate (purple)	Low adhesion, won't peel new paint
Outdoor / rough surfaces	Scotch Exterior or Scotch Rough Surface	Holds on textured/weathered substrates

Latest purchase

Next actions

• After SW pickup: add purchased items to the inventory tables above.
• First Warner spinner use (once purchased): time it vs hand-clean, capture the delta here.
• Track each Purdy Marathon cover with date stamps so the lifespan numbers above can be tightened against real data.