No Paint In Drains

Two Pot Method

Clean your painting equipment without polluting our waterways.

Follow this simple method to clean your painting tools without harming our waterways.

The outside drain is the stream.

Scroll down for step-by-step instructions.

Why this matters

Outdoor drains lead directly to local streams and then the sea.

28% of NZ freshwater fish species are threatened

Water-Based Paint

Before you start, squeeze or wipe as much paint as possible from your brush or roller onto old rags, newspaper, or back into the paint tin.

Use a large bucket of water to clean brushes, rollers and other equipment well away from waterways, drains and grates.

Transfer the washed equipment to a second bucket full of water for a final rinse.

Place lids on the containers and allow them to stand overnight.

In the morning, slowly pour the clear water onto a surface well away from waterways, drains and grates.

Stop just before you reach paint solids. Let the solids dry, then dispose of them in your general rubbish.

The second container, containing the rinse water, now becomes the first container next time.

Solvent-Based Paint

Before washing, squeeze or wipe as much paint as possible from your brush or roller onto old rags, newspaper, or into the paint tin.
Wash paint brushes in a solvent like turps.
Leave the paint and turps mix overnight in a covered container outdoors and away from any heat or electrical sources, as solvents are highly flammable.
The paint solids will settle out overnight.
Tip the liquid solvent back into a sealed container for re-use.
Dispose of the paint sludge in your rubbish bin.

The outside drain is the stream.