After buying a new can of paint, open the can, and wipe any excess paint off the inside of the lid to prevent it from hardening.

To better seal a paint can and make it easier to open, place a plastic shopping bag over the top of the paint can before hammering on the lid.

Watch the video above to find out more.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Joe Truini: The very first thing you need to do when you bring home a new can of paint is pry off the lid, then use a paper towel or rags to clean paint off the bottom of the lid, as I did here.

The reason is when they shake the can of paint at the store to blend the colors that’s great, except what happens if you don’t clean after the paint, this is what you end up with. The paint drips from the underside of the lid, it hardens, then these little chips fall of in the paint, then the next time you go to paint, those little chips end up on the wall or the ceiling, and you want to avoid that.

So after you clean off the lid, and before you replace it, use a plastic bag to cover the can. So cover the entire rim of the can with a plastic bag, then put on the lid.

Now, the plastic bag serves three purposes. First, it helps seal out air so the paint will stay fresher. It keeps paint from getting on the underside of the lid, so you don’t have to keep cleaning it. But more importantly, it makes a lot easier to remove the lid, next time you go to paint.


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avatar for Joe Truini

Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

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