Event Cleanup

This page covers the standard cleanup procedures after any event at Muse & Co -- Paint & Boba nights, workshops, private events, or art classes. Consistent cleanup keeps our supplies in good shape and the space ready for the next day.

Step 1: Let Paintings Dry

Before touching any artwork:

• Allow canvases to sit on easels for 15-20 minutes after the session ends
• If guests are waiting, offer them a drink while paintings dry
• Never stack, lean, or slide wet canvases against each other

WARNING

Acrylic paint dries quickly but is very messy when wet. Moving a canvas too soon will smear the painting and leave paint on hands, tables, and other surfaces.

Step 2: Collect and Clean Brushes

Brushes are the most important supply to clean properly. Dried acrylic paint will ruin them permanently.

1. Collect all brushes from every station
2. Rinse each brush thoroughly under running water
3. Gently work paint out of the bristles with your fingers -- get all the way to the ferrule (the metal part)
4. Reshape the bristle tips and lay brushes flat to dry on a towel

TIP

If paint has started to dry on a brush, soak it in warm water for a few minutes before rinsing. For stubborn dried paint, a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cloth can help.

Step 3: Clean Palettes

Palette State	Cleaning Method
Paint still wet	Rinse under running water, wipe clean with a sponge
Paint partially dried	Soak in warm water for 5 minutes, then scrub
Paint fully dried	Peel off dried acrylic (it peels off plastic palettes) or soak longer

Step 4: Clear the Stations

Work through each guest station:

1. Empty and rinse water cups
2. Collect used paper towels and dispose of them
3. Collect aprons -- shake off debris, fold, and return to the apron bin
4. Remove plastic table covers carefully (fold paint side inward to avoid drips)
5. Wipe tables down with a damp cloth

Step 5: Clean the Floor

• Sweep the entire event area for paint drops, paper towel scraps, and general debris
• Spot-clean any paint drips on the floor with a damp cloth
• Mop if needed (acrylic paint + water can leave a film)

Step 6: Store Supplies

Item	Storage Location
Easels	Art closet, stacked upright
Brushes (dry)	Brush containers in art closet, bristles up
Palettes (clean)	Stacked in art closet
Aprons	Apron bin in art closet
Unused canvases	Canvas shelf in art closet
Paint sets	Art closet shelf, check that lids are sealed tight

WARNING

Always check that paint tube caps and palette lids are sealed tightly before storing. Dried-out paint sets have to be replaced.

Step 7: Final Wrap-Up

• If this was the last event of the day, follow standard closing procedures
• Take a few photos of the setup or guest artwork for social media (only with guest permission)
• Note any supplies that are running low so they can be reordered

Quick Reference Checklist

• [ ] Paintings dried (15-20 min)
• [ ] Brushes collected and rinsed thoroughly
• [ ] Palettes cleaned
• [ ] Water cups emptied and washed
• [ ] Paper towels and trash collected
• [ ] Aprons collected and stored
• [ ] Plastic table covers removed, tables wiped
• [ ] Floor swept and spot-cleaned
• [ ] Easels and supplies stored in art closet
• [ ] Paint tubes/lids sealed
• [ ] Photos taken (with permission)
• [ ] Low supplies noted for reorder

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Last updated: March 2026