If you are a DIYer, then you may not be a stranger to a fresh can of paint, but a review of the best strategies for painting your home can be helpful to those who are new to the task, as well as for those who have painted plenty of rooms before.
While a visit to the paint store may feel intimidating at first, thanks to all of the specialty tools available to help you get the job done, it is pretty easy to get started with a paint job without investing a lot in specialty equipment.
5 Tools To Open A Paint Can
The first step to getting started with painting is opening the paint can. Paint cans are sealed uniquely to ensure that they don’t spill at all.
Opening a can requires using a tool to provide you with the proper leverage to remove the lid. When opening a paint can, you need to be sure that you are using the right kind of tool so that you don’t accidentally spill the paint, but also so that you don’t accidentally drop any dirt or rust from the paint can into the mixture of paint.
Good tools to use to open a paint can include the openers provided from the hardware store, a screwdriver, a spatula, a putty knife, or an all-in-one painter’s tool.
Tools you can use to open a paint can include:
- A paint can opener
- Flat head screwdriver
- Spatula
- Putty Knife
- All-in-one painters tool
Best Technique For How To Open A Paint Can
Painting is a low-risk project for a DIYer of any skill level. However, spilled paint can quickly turn a fun project into a total nightmare. If paint gets into a carpet or your tile’s grout, it can become challenging to get out.
Take steps to make sure that you open the paint can correctly so that you do not accidentally spill the paint or ruin the paint in any way.
Step 1 – Gather Tools
Before starting your painting job, you need to make sure that all of the tools you need are in one spot. This will include a drop cloth, the tool to open your paint can, and your brushes or paint rollers. Also, keep some basic cleaning supplies near you so that you can mop up any paint that does accidentally spill.
Step 2 – Use An Old Sheet On The Floor
Using a drop cloth is the best way to protect your floor from paint spills. Even experienced painters will accidentally drip paint on the floor from time to time. Paint can destroy your carpet and quickly become a big cost to repair. Use an old sheet as a drop cloth if you don’t have a hardware store quality option. An old sheet can catch any paint that accidentally falls.
Step 3 – Ensure The Paint Is On A Flat Surface
When you are setting up your painting area, be mindful to place the paint can in a safe place that is entirely flat. If there is any bit of unevenness, the paint can start to spill, which will lead to a big mess. It is best to keep the paint on the floor over a drop cloth to not fall off a table.
Step 4 – Lightly Pry Under The Lid With A Screwdriver
Once you have your paint station set up, the next best step is to open the lid. Be mindful of opening the lid with something flat and strong so that the lid can come off neatly and you don’t accidentally bend the lid at all. If the lid is bent, you won’t put it back on when you are done.
Step 5 – Gently Lift The Lid With a Knife
It is helpful to gradually lift the paint’s lid off and use a long firm object like a knife. This will prevent paint from splashing as you open the can.
FAQs – How To Open A Paint Can
Sometimes paint cans won’t open immediately due to rusting around the edges. This is predominantly a problem when the paint is used and stored for long periods. Running a knife around the edges can help to loosen the lid.
If you don’t have a screwdriver, you can look around your home for something else that provides similar leverage.
The metal clips on the side of the paint can typically be removed easily with a bit of elbow grease. Hold the clips down and pull simultaneously to remove the clips. These clips prevent spillage when the paint isn’t in use.
Summary
A fresh coat of paint can liven up any room. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a way to redecorate for a whole new theme completely or if you are looking for a way to refresh a room without making any intense change to the total aesthetic. A new coat of paint can do wonders. Painting is the number one home makeover project for any long weekend. It is affordable, gives the room a fresh new look, and can help your entire space feel unique and exciting.
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