Cleaning brushes and disposing of left over finish

I received a question from Tom this week asking for some more information concerning one of our Finishing Myths:  BUSTED! articles.  The article was the one about the "safest finishes".  This is where I point out that just because you're using a water based finish, don't assume it's completely safe.  It's all in how you use and dispose of these products that's important. 

Tom asked:  "So how do you clean up after using water base finishes. Your article is good, but now I have more questions than answers."

And here's my response:  

Hey Tom, thanks for your question.  I'm assuming your talking about our Finishing Myths:  Busted! article on not thinking that just because your using a water based finish that it's completely safe.

To answer your question is tricky.  Each county and state can have different ways to dispose of left over finish.  Most cans say something like, "call your local, state, or Federal Agency for correct disposal".  You do need to check to see what your local government requires.

Here's what I do.  If I'm cleaning out latex paint from a brush, I spray it out with a water hose in the yard.  I know I'm not close to any storm drains, creeks, or streams.  To be honest I don't know of anything else to do with it.  For brushes with water based poly etc, I have three jars that I keep sealed up with water in it.  When I need to clean out a brush I use the first jar with soap for the initial cleaning, followed by the second to rinse out some more, ending with the third jar for the final cleaning.  When the first jar gets too dirty, I let it evaporate, fill it clean water, then it becomes jar number three.  This process gets repeated over and over.

Now for larger amounts of paint or other types of finish that I need to get rid of because I can't find another use for it, or it's starting to dry up, here's what I do:  I simply let it dry out completely.  Once it becomes hard whether it's paint, poly, or some other type water based finish, it can't leak into the water table.  If you have a larger amount, you can add kitty litter to help it dry out faster.

Again, check with your local agencies before putting any finish into your garbage.

As a side note, oil-based paint and solvents, including mineral spirits, are considered hazardous waste materials that require special precautions and steps to dispose of properly.  Check your local regulations to ensure proper handling.

Here's a couple of websites to check out:
www.Earth911.org  (to find disposal drop off sites in your area)
www.paint.org

Hope this helps.

-Craig Stevens