How to Open A Paint Can

Let me start this posting by thanking the mighty Google for telling me what YOU, the people of the internet WANT & NEED to see!

Apparently this is a trending search, and the only thing I was going to have on this site initially about opening a paint can was the handy dandy tip I will show you after we cover just HOW to open a paint can in general.

a girl in paint gear is on her drop cloth opening a paint can with her 5 in 1 paint tool

Let me second of all thank our wonderful photographer for capturing this photo before I knew I needed it!

It’s not the perfect photo, but I think it gets the job done. In my hand is a 5-in-1 paint tool. You totally have one of those, right? Because of that conversation we had about making sure you have all the right gear to do the job, so you can get back to doing things in your normal life that you like doing just a wee bit more, faster? If you haven’t scored it already, make sure to pick up our FREE handy dandy Gear Guide.


In this case, using the right tool is just SO much easier than anything else you can “make due” with (and trust me, I have BEEN THERE). AND you can score these often at the local dollar store near you for $1-2!

This tool is specifically designed for painters and the long flat side is PERFECT to stick on between the lid and sides to lift off with just a few turns of the wrist! Simply place the flat side in one of the grooves as shown above and turn your wrist to start to lift off a side of the lid. Repeat in as many spots and as many times as necessary to remove that sucker!

I promise I will take some more photos and/or video if you tell me we need more guidance on this one, so don’t give up on me just yet!


Let’s talk about that other cool tip I talked about sharing above for a minute.

Again, ANOTHER reason to make sure to have this tool. (I’m not getting paid a commission on sales of these things either…I WISH!)

The first time you remove your paint lid from the can, it is best advised to take the OTHER side of this tool and use your hammer (also handy, right?) to make four holes around the outside lip of the can. This helps any paint buildup fall straight back into the can and helps make sure your lid can and will go back on every time you need to put it back on during your project, and will also make it a lot easier to open too!

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How to Get Acrylic Paint Out Of Carpet