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7 Ways to Easily Open That Paint Can Like a Pro
Plus another expert painting project hack!
Whether you’ve just moved in to a new home or are on a mission to renovate your current one, a fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference. And, the good news is, that even for first-time DIYers, painting a room is a project anyone can tackle! Once you’ve landed on the perfect paint color (Need help deciding? Check out our list of the 100 top paint colors!), and gathered all your supplies, you’re ready to get started. But first, here’s how to open the paint can itself.
Most paint stores offer a very handy, complimentary paint key when you purchase paint (they are also super cheap to buy at any hardware or home improvement store). This is the top tool choice and the easiest way to crack open a paint can. But what happens when you have an old, rusted paint can in the cellar and you catch a wild hare and want to do touch ups around the house? Just like there are alternate ways to open a can without a can opener, there’s other options if a paint key cannot be located. Below, we tested 7 different tools and methods for opening paint cans, so you never get stuck from starting a home improvement project.
Searching for the best paint color for your room? We’re here to help:
Best Method: Open a Paint Can With a Paint Key
Often called a paint key or a paint can opening tool, these handy devices are your very best bet when it comes to opening cans of paint. To use take the hooked end and wedge it in between the edge of the can and the lid. Firmly hold the other side of the key and push down. The lid should lift up with ease, though sometimes repeating the process on the other side of the can is necessary.
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Alternate Method: Open a Paint Can With a Flathead Screwdriver
One thing most everyone has buried in their garage is a flathead screwdriver. Flatheads were the best alternative for opening cans of paint by replicating the same motion as described about the paint key. For the typical gallon-sized paint can, a standard size flathead screwdriver worked well. The sample can of paint needed a smaller size.
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Alternate Method: Open a Paint Can With a Putty Knife
When in doubt, look for something flat and strong to wedge between the side of the can and the lid. If you’re already in the midst of a paint project, odds are that you likely have a putty knife on hand. They make for great paint can openers!
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Even More Alternative Methods
If you’re not able to locate any of the three previous tools, you may have to get a bit more creative. Anything strong and narrow should be able to pop the lid clean off. We tested a number of out of the box ideas to help in a pinch including a vintage dart, car keys, and a chisel.
The vintage dart worked well, but did require repeating the process around the edge of the lid several more times than usual. Car keys worked like a charm. As did the chisel.
As a last ditch effort, once all options have been exhausted, you can also drill a hole in the side of the paint can and pour the paint out that way. Before doing this, shake the can vigorously to stir the paint.
RELATED: The Top 100 Paint Colors For Every Room in Your House
How to Close a Paint Can
The best way to seal back on a paint can is to use a rubber mallet to tap around the entire rim. If you only have a hammer available, use a thick dishtowel to soften the blows from the hammer. This will ensure that the edges don’t get bent so it will be easy to open for paint touch-ups in the future.
Bonus Tip!
Here’s another expert tip to make your paint project process run as smooth as glass. Stretch a rubber band across the open mouth of a paint can to provide a no-mess way to wipe your brush so that the extra paint doesn’t gum up the can’s inside rim. This means it will be a breeze to open the next time you need it!
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