Bucket Lid Wrench - Open / Lift Lids on 5 Gallon Plastic ...

Bucket Lid Wrench - Open / Lift Lids on 5 Gallon Plastic ...

How to Open a Paint Can

1. Remove Lid

   Use a 3-in-1 or 5-in-1 tool to open the paint can gently. Place it between the lid and the lip of the can and slowly pull down on the tool's handle. The lid should release itself easily. It's common for homeowners to use a screwdriver for this, but we don't recommend that. The screwdriver is strong and will bend and distort the lid shape, making re-sealing the paint can difficult.

   You can, however, opt to use a paint can lid opener, shown here. This inexpensive tool has a curved tip to easily remove paint can lids without damaging the seal.
   

2. Mark with Paint

   With the lid removed, dab a spot of the paint on the side of the can and the can lid. This quickly identifies the type of paint sheen and hue inside the can for future home projects or paint touch-ups. If possible, you want to avoid opening paint cans if you're just checking the color inside.

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3. Seal Lid in Plastic

   Slide the wet paint lid into a plastic zip-closure bag. This prevents the paint from drying, stops the lid from dripping, and provides a clean lifting tab to open, pour, and close the can as needed. Keep the plastic on the lid until you're ready to reseal the paint can to store it.

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   Punch Holes in Can Rim

   Next, punch holes in the groove inside the rim, called the lid well, with a hammer and nail or the sharp point of the 5-in-1 tool and a mallet. The holes allow excess paint to drain back into the can. This rim catches a lot of excess paint as you pour and scrape brushes on the side of the can. This technique will also ensure that after the project is finished, the lid can set and seal properly into the can for storage.

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   Jacob Fox

   Stir Paint

   With the can prepped and ready, lightly stir the paint. Use a paint stick provided by the hardware store or paint store that sold you the paint can. Be sure the stick reaches the bottom to get the most even stir. Look out for drips as you remove the stick from the can, scraping it along the inside lip to get most of the paint back in the gallon.

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6. Pour Paint

   Next comes the pouring. Gently lift the paint can by the handle and use your other hand to tilt the bottom of the can back. It's also wise to purchase a paint can pourer, a large plastic lip that fits on the edge of the can. This tool helps you pour mess-free with no drips down the side of the can. Pour only ½ inch of paint into the paint tray.

   Using a tray instead of painting straight from the can is essential. Dipping a brush into a can may contaminate the paint with dust or dirt picked up from the wall. Only pour a little at a time to frequently replenish the supply with fresh paint before it dries.

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7. Seal Lid After Painting

   Once you're done pouring the paint or have completed the project, place the lid back on the paint can. Remember&#;the enemy of paint is air, so you want to make sure this is done correctly. Use a rubber mallet to tap along the edges of the paint can lid to seal.

   If you haven't already, make a running list of paint colors used in your home. This list will be useful when you need to repaint a spot but are out of paint, or the paint you saved is spoiled. When you keep track, write down the paint brand, color, and sheen. It's also good practice to write down the paint numbers so any store can recreate the color. Keep this paint list with your other home documents.

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