One problem we all encounter when using paint in our daily life is how to dispose of paint cans. Opening or closing a can of paint can be difficult! If you don’t know how to open and close a paint can the right way, you might end up with a can of dried paint or paint all over the floor, so we’re going to have a few different ways to make it easy for you to open and close. Paint cans to prevent paint waste
How to open a paint can
Some use a screwdriver or the flat edge of a crowbar to lift the edge of the paint can lid in different directions. Finally, when the lid is loose, gently remove it to prevent paint from spilling. It should be noted that some paint cans have rubber protective rings that cannot be damaged. This method is the most common, but using a screwdriver or pry bar may damage its seal. For better results, you can buy some paint can opening gadgets (usually less than $1). The tip of the paint can opener has a small curved edge. That curved tip sits just below the rim of the paint can lid. When encountering some large paint cans, you need to use certain tools such as wrenches to open them perfectly. Then, the opener can pry off the lid without causing any damage to it.
How to close paint can
The most important thing when using paint is how to seal it. If it is not sealed well, the next time you use it, you will find that the paint has deteriorated and dried out. Paint cans can also rust
First, when sealing the paint can, we need to wipe the surrounding paint clean or wait for it to dry. After that, we can use the above method
Use palm pressure to close the paint can
This method is a common method for closing paint cans, but works for small paint cans
- Make sure the paint in the paint can does not overflow. If paint spills, it may stain your hands and surroundings.
- Place the paint can on a stable table or ground.
- Hold the bottom of the paint can with one hand.
- Use the palm of your other hand to press down on the lid of the paint can.
- Apply pressure until the lid is completely closed, (note that if the pressure is uneven, the lid may not be fully closed.)
Use a hammer to close the paint can
Dispose of the surrounding paint. Place the lid in place and wrap some discarded fabric around the paint can to prevent paint from spilling when tapping. Using a wooden mallet, hammer, or rubber mallet, tap around the edge of the lid. At a suitable position, you can increase the tapping intensity to knock the cover into the groove, and then continue to tap until it is completely closed. If you don’t have a hammer, you can use some tapping tools such as a wrench.
Use a wrench to close the paint can
This is commonly used to close or open those 3-gallon paint cans to 5-gallon paint cans. This plastic tool is cheap and easy to use. If you use these paint cans for your room decoration and touch-up decoration occasions, it is definitely worth having one.
Summarize
Choosing the best way to open and close a paint can depends primarily on the type and size of the paint can. For small paint cans, you can use the hand pressure method with a screwdriver. For large paint cans, you can use a wrench or a paint can opener. Using the above methods you will be able to open and close the paint can perfectly without wasting a bit of paint.
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