via merchant
Painting high, hard-to-reach places is easier and less stressful with this paint can hook. This design is so simple, it’s brilliant—the hook attaches to the pail handle and mounts securely to the ladder rung. It holds a 1-gallon paint bucket firmly without spilling.
Pros
- Made of alloy steel
- Works with all types of ladders
- Has a limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- May need to be removed when moving the ladder
What to Consider When Buying Paint Buckets
Choosing the right paint bucket can be rather tricky. Not only do you need the right size, but it has to have features to match the painting task.
First, think about whether you’re painting crown molding or the entire exterior of your home. Size matters. One that’s too small wastes precious time having to continually fill it. Too large, and it might be too heavy to safely carry up a ladder. Plastic buckets are lighter than metal ones.
Types of Paint Buckets
Like any DIY paint project, it’s critical that you use the right paint bucket that matches the undertaking. The most common types of paint buckets include:
- Classic found: For traditionalists
- Rectangular: For wide rollers
- Square: Accommodates flat paint brushes
- Wheeled: To save your aching back
- Handheld: Ideal for finishing touches
- With hooks: For mounting on tool belts and ladders
- Lidded: To prevent paint from drying too quickly
Seek out ergonomic designs to eliminate hand and arm fatigue, magnetic paint brush holders, scrapers and removable liners to cut down on mess.
How We Found the Best Paint Buckets
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
Is it better to use a paint tray or a paint bucket?
There are several advantages to using paint buckets over paint trays. If you’re working in a large area or painting an entire house, a paint bucket generally holds more than a tray, which means fewer refills and less bending for you.
Also, when you try to move a tray, the paint will tend to slosh back and forth, potentially spilling over the sides. Of course, it’s possible to accidentally kick over a paint bucket, but since buckets are more stable than paint trays, you’re less likely to step in one. This is because trays sit low to the ground and are hard to see, making paint accidents just waiting to happen.
How long does paint last in a plastic bucket?
Latex paint dries out much faster than oil-based formulas. To make the paint last longer in a bucket, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap when not in use.
How do you pour paint without getting it everywhere?
Here are some tips on how to pour paint with fewer spills and drips:
- After pouring paint from a bucket, snap it back quickly and use your finger or paintbrush to wipe off excess paint that would otherwise drip down the sides and onto drop cloths.
- Add a paint spout to your painting tools arsenal.
- A DIY way to achieve a less messy pour is to place two strips of painter’s tape on the rim of the paint bucket in a “V”, creating a makeshift spout that can be removed when you’re done.