Unlocking Paint Cans: Key To Color

There are several ways to open a paint can, and one of the most convenient tools to use is a key. A paint can usually comes with a flat lid that is pounded into place. To open it, you need a tool to wedge under the lip of the lid so you can pry it free. A paint can opener, also known as a paint key, is a great tool to have around, but if you don't have one, you can use a key to open a new can of paint. Simply dig the tip of the key into the groove of the can and push down, repeating this step until you can circle the whole can and lift off the lid.

Using a paint can opener

To open a paint can using a paint can opener, start by pushing the flat end into the gap between the can and the lid. Pry the lid from the can, rotating the opener to move around the entire lid. Then, lift the lid away from the can.

If you don't have a paint can opener, you can use a flathead screwdriver, a putty knife, or a butter knife. Place the head of the screwdriver or the flat end of the knife in the gap where the lid meets the can. Gently lift up, continuing all the way around the can until you can remove the entire lid.

For best results, use a screwdriver with a tip that is about 1⁄4–1⁄2 inch (0.64–1.27 cm) big. If you use a smaller screwdriver, you may deform the rim of the can, making it harder to close and open the next time.

If you're using a putty knife, make sure it's stiff and not too bendy. A narrow, rigid putty knife will give you more leverage to pry the lid off.

Using a putty knife

To start, slip the front edge of the putty knife under the lip of the can. Apply gentle yet firm pressure to raise the lid, moving the knife slowly around the edge of the can. Work your way around the lid, prying it up a little at a time to maintain the shape of the lid. You can also use the side of the knife to gain more leverage.

If the paint can is old and stubborn, with dried paint around the rim, you may need to use a different tool, such as a screwdriver or a paint can opener, to help loosen the lid. You can use a flathead screwdriver to scrape away dried paint from the rim. Alternatively, dip a cloth in warm water and wipe the rim to loosen the paint.

Once the lid is loosened, continue prying it off in a consecutive motion. Work your way around the lid slowly and methodically, especially if there is rust on the edges, as you don't want to get that inside the paint. With a little effort, the lid will separate from the paint can.

Using a screwdriver

If you don't have a paint can opener, a flathead screwdriver can be used to open a paint can. Firstly, ensure that the paint can lid is upside down on a safe surface to prevent any paint from dripping onto your work area.

Next, use the screwdriver to scrape away any dried paint from the rim of the lid. This will help to loosen the lid and prevent paint from drying and causing the can to become stuck shut.

Now, take your screwdriver and wedge the end into the lip of the can. Place the tip of the screwdriver underneath the lip of the lid, between the rim and the lid. Gently push down on the handle to pry the lid open, using the side of the screwdriver for added leverage. Repeat this motion 3-4 times around the entire lid of the can, moving inch by inch, until the lid pops off.

If the lid is particularly difficult to remove, you can use a hammer or the back of a paintbrush to tap the end of the screwdriver and apply more force.

Finally, wipe any excess paint from the rim of the can and the screwdriver.

Using a paint key

A paint key, also known as a paint can opener, is a cheap and handy tool to have around for opening paint cans. It is specifically designed to open paint cans and is therefore a good choice to avoid warping the can lid and preventing proper closure and storage.

To open a paint can using a paint key, start by holding the paint can firmly and shaking it up and down and side to side for 15-20 seconds. This will help mix the paint. Next, take your paint key and insert the flat side of the tip under the rim of the can, into the groove between the rim and the lid. Press down on the key to gently pry the lid open. Continue this step, pushing down and moving the key around the entire rim of the can until the lid is fully loosened and can be lifted off.

If the lid is stuck, you can use a paint scraper to slice along the rim to loosen it, or dip a cloth in warm water and wipe to remove any dried paint.

Other tools that can be used to open a paint can include a flathead screwdriver, a putty knife, a butter knife, a quarter, or the back of a fork or knife.

Using a butter knife

If you don't have a paint can opener, a butter knife is a good alternative to open a paint can. The flat edge of a butter knife is ideal for prying open the lid without damaging the paint can or risking injury to yourself.

First, make sure you have a protected surface to work on. Paint cans can be messy to open, so it's a good idea to place the can on a tarp or drop cloth before you start.

Now, take your butter knife and insert the flat end under the lip of the lid. Gently pry the lid open by applying moderate force to the handle of the knife. Work your way slowly and carefully around the lid, moving inch by inch, until the lid is fully loosened.

If the paint can has been used before, there may be dried paint around the rim that has sealed the lid shut. In this case, you can use a paint scraper to slice along the rim of the lid and loosen it before attempting to pry it open. Alternatively, dip a cloth in warm water and wipe the rim to soften the dried paint.

Once the lid is fully loosened, lift it away from the can. Now you're ready to start painting!

Frequently asked questions