Opening Paint Cans: Easy, Tool-Free Hacks

There are several ways to open a paint can without a tool. If the paint is new, you can use everyday items like a quarter, your keys, the back of a fork or knife, or even a screwdriver. For a new paint can, you can also use a flathead screwdriver, also called a slotted screwdriver, to pry the lid off. Place the head of the screwdriver in the gap where the lid meets the can and lift it up gently. If you're opening an old paint can, you'll want to slowly and carefully work your way around the lid as you open it to avoid getting rust inside the paint.

Use a flathead screwdriver

A standard paint can comes with a flat lid that is pounded into place at the store. To open the can, you will need a tool to wedge under the lip of the lid so you can pull it free. A flathead screwdriver is a great option for this.

First, place the head of the screwdriver in the gap where the lid meets the can. You can also use the side of the screwdriver to gain more leverage. Press down on the handle of the screwdriver to pry the lid open. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the lid, or it may deform.

Gently lift the lid away from the can, rotating the can to move the screwdriver around the entire lid. Repeat this process several times in different locations around the lid until the lid is fully detached from the can. Place the lid down on a flat surface with the paint side facing upwards.

To avoid making a mess when closing the paint can, place the lid back on top and cover it with a rag or paper towel. Lay a wood block that is slightly larger than the diameter of the paint can across the rag and tap down on the centre with a hammer or mallet. Rotate the block a few times, hammering in the centre each time to seal the lid.

Try a putty knife

If you don't have a paint can opener, screwdriver, or any other tools, a putty knife can be used to open a paint can. Putty knives are often included in painter's tool kits, which are multipurpose tools that can also be used for tasks such as can opening, roller scraping, chiselling, nail pulling, and corner cleaning.

To open a paint can with a putty knife, slip the front edge of the knife under the lip of the can. Then, slowly move the knife around the edge of the can to lift and fully loosen the lid. If you're using a putty knife, it's recommended to use the side of the knife to maximise your surface area.

If the paint can has been used before, there may be excess paint around the rim that has dried and stuck the lid in place. To remove a stuck lid, use a paint scraper to slice along the rim of the lid and slowly try to pry it from its base. To prevent sticky lids in the future, make sure to wipe away any dripped paint from the rim of the can with a rag before placing the lid on top.

When closing the paint can, cover the lid with a rag or paper towel and use a hammer or mallet to gently tap the lid into place. If you only have a hammer, add another towel over the can before tapping the lid into place to avoid denting the rim and lid of the can.

Use a paint can opener

A paint can opener is a small, inexpensive tool with a curved tip that is designed to open paint cans with minimal effort. It can be purchased from most home supply stores, and some stores may even give them out for free with a paint purchase.

To open a paint can using a paint can opener, start by pushing the flat end of the opener into the gap between the can and the lid. Pry the lid away 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, a flathead screwdriver can also be used. Place the head of the screwdriver in the gap between the lid and the can, and gently lift upwards to break the seal. Repeat this process in several locations around the lid until it can be lifted away smoothly. Be careful not to apply too much pressure when using a screwdriver, as this can deform the lid.

If you're using a painter's tool, look for the flat section above the rounded-out groove meant for cleaning paint rollers. This flat section is designed for opening paint cans. Use it in the same way you would a screwdriver or paint can opener.

Painter's tool

A painter's tool is a strangely shaped little device that can perform a variety of paint-related tasks. Painter's tools can come in 5-in-1, 7-in-1, or even 15-in-1 variations. The 5-in-1 tool, for example, can be used as a can opener, a putty knife, a roller scraper, a chisel, a nail puller, and a corner cleaner.

To open a paint can with a painter's tool, you'll use the short, flat part of the tool. Place the flat section of the tool in the crack between the lid and the can, then wedge and pry the lid up from the can. This is the same process you would follow when using a screwdriver to open a paint can.

If you don't have a painter's tool, there are several other ways to open a paint can. A flat-head screwdriver can be used to pry the lid away from the can. A putty knife, a broad knife, or even a bread knife can also be used to open a paint can. If you can't find any suitable knives or screwdrivers, a sturdy spoon or metal key can be used to pry the lid away from the can.

Use a paint key

A paint key is a tool specifically designed to open a paint can. It is inexpensive and small, and can be purchased at most home supply stores. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a paint key:

First, hold the paint can firmly and shake it up and down and side to side as hard as you can for 15-20 seconds. This will help to loosen the lid. Next, grab your paint key and dig the tip of the key into the groove of the can. Push down, and the lid will begin to lift. Continue this step until you have circled the whole can. Finally, lift the lid off of the can.

It is important to note that when using a paint key, or any other tool to open a paint can, you should be careful not to apply too much pressure to the lid, as this can cause it to deform and bend. To avoid this, open the paint can a little bit at a time, working your way slowly and methodically around the lid.

Frequently asked questions