Decorating Painting Painting Tips How to Open a Paint Can There's more to opening a can of paint than you may think. Follow our simple steps to learn how to keep it clean and how to keep your paint fresh. By Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on April 24, 2023 Fact checked by Marcus Reeves Fact checked by Marcus Reeves Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music's Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Learn about BHG's Fact Checking Process Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Picture 643 Project Overview Working Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $0-$5 A painting project starts well before you brush that first paint stroke onto the wall. First, you must decide on a color, choose a sheen, clear the room, tape the trim, spackle any holes, and lay down a drop cloth. Then, finally, you can crack open that fresh can of paint. Learn how to open a paint can the right way to ensure this crucial step is done correctly. Our helpful tips will help you start your painting project the way painting professionals do. Before you begin, however, know that it is best to start your paint projects no more than 24 hours after you purchase your paint. Any longer than a day may cause your paint to settle and not be mixed correctly. However, if you need a few days to prepare, you can always go back to the store and ask them to remix your paint free of charge. 23 Fundamental Painting Tips to Know Before You Pick Up a Brush What You'll Need Equipment / Tools 3-in-1 or 5-in-1 tool Hammer Nail Rubber mallet Stir stick Paint bucket Materials Paint Instructions How to Open a Paint Can 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. 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. 5 Must-Know Paint Hacks 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. Jacob Fox 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. How to Clean Paintbrushes So They Look Brand-New After Every Project . 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. How Long Does It Take for Paint to Dry for A Perfect Finish? 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. How to Use a Paint Roller to Quickly Refresh a Wall 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. Updated by Hannah Bruneman Hannah Bruneman Hannah Bruneman is an editorial associate at BHG.com. Her contributions focus on home renovation and decor trends. Her work has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies Home Journal, Southern Living and more. Learn More