Here are two ways to put that scrap window screen or hardware cloth to work for you the next time you get ready to paint.

  • Bend a piece of hardware cloth into a “U” shape that fits into the bottom of a coffee can with the bottom of the “U” facing up. Fill the can with paint solvent and agitate the dirty brush on the screen to clean it while the paint solids drop to the bottom of the can.
  • To screen out pieces of dried paint in a used can, cut a circle of window screen slightly smaller than the diameter of the can. Then drop the screen into the paint can and push it to the bottom with a stirring stick. This will keep the chunks at the bottom of the can and off of your brush.

Watch this video to find out more.

Editorial Contributors
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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