Close Paint Cans with Less Mess

It’s no secret that painting projects are messy, especially when pouring paint from the paint can into a smaller container or roller tray and then re-sealing the lid. Here’s one way to cut down on the mess: To prevent paint from spattering all over the place when you close the lid of the paint can, cover it with a rag or paper towel. The rag will collect the paint splatters—not your clothes!

To avoid denting the rim and lid of the paint can when you pound it closed with a hammer or mallet, lay a wood block sized just larger than the diameter of the paint can across the rag and hammer the center of the block. Rotate the block a few times, hammering in the center each time to seal the lid.

Check out 14 handy hints for painting.