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Whether you're painting your bedroom or your door, it is essential that you understand how to open a paint can correctly. (Otherwise... you'll get paint all over everything.) Even some of the most excited DIY enthusiasts don't have it down pat, but you have to be a professional to learn the correct steps. So if you want to know how to open your paint can like a pro, follow the steps below as suggested by Rick Watson, director of product information at Sherwin-Williams.
Materials:
- Paint can
- Flat head screwdriver
- Standard paint can opener
- Purdy 10-in-1 multi-tool
Purdy Painters Multi-Tool
Warner 4.5-in Metal Paint Can Opener
Stanley 1/4 in. x 4 in. Slotted Screwdriver
Steps To Follow:
1.Take your tool of choice (screwdriver, Purdy tool, or paint can opener) and then place it between the lid and the paint can. Got it stuck in there? Now press down on the handle to lift the lid up just a little bit at that juncture.
2. After that, you will want to repeat this evenly around the perimeter of the can to open the lid all over. Try not to force off the can all at once, as this can create additional mess and even damage the lid, causing it not to seal properly once you store the leftover paint.
3. When you've gone all the way around, it should be easy to lift off the can.
4. Lastly, but most importantly: Never forget to stir your paint once the lid is off! Use a wooden paint stirrer.
If you follow all these steps you should have a relatively easy time opening a paint can for whatever next DIY project you have planned. Ready? Here's the right way (ie, the easiest, cleanest, neatest way!) to paint a room.
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