Painting is a DIY-friendly task, but if you’re a beginner, you might be stumped over how to even open the airtight lid on a paint can. Opening a paint can isn’t as easy as popping open a can of soda, but it’s not so difficult when you have the right tool. 

Here, we’ll walk you through how to open a paint can using a variety of basic tools. We’ll start with the most obvious one of the bunch so you can first understand the motions required to open a can of paint, then decide for yourself which is the best tool for the job.

Paint Can Opener / Paint Key

A paint can opener, sometimes called a paint key, might sound like a one-hit wonder in the tool world. But considering it usually costs around a buck and is quite competent in doing its job, it’s not at all cost-prohibitive to keep one around. 

How it works: Insert the tip between the rim and the lid. Gently push down on the handle to pry open the lid. Move the tool around the lid until you can lift it off fully.

Flathead Screwdriver

Chances are good that even an occasional DIYer has a flathead screwdriver on hand. A Phillips won’t work here because the larger tip likely won’t fit under the lid. Note: A screwdriver with a long handle is best for added leverage.

How it works: Insert the tip of the flathead under the edge of the lid and gently press down on the handle to pop the lid up. Move the screwdriver around the lid, repeating the motion, to take the lid off.

Putty Knife

By now you should get the hint that paint can lid removal requires a tool that’s thin yet sturdy. A putty knife can certainly do the job—just make sure to use a narrow, rigid one so you can slip it in the lid and use it for leverage.

How it works: Insert the edge of the putty knife under the lid and apply gentle yet firm pressure to raise it up, moving the knife around the can as necessary to pry it off.

Bottle Opener

If you’ve got something that you use to open a bottle of beer or soda, it can also work on a paint can. 

How it works: Insert the blunt end of the opener under the rim of the lid and gently pry it open; you can also use the pointy end, but be careful not to dent the lid.

Painter’s Multitool

While the number of functions on a multitool will vary, there will be at least one paint can opener option. It’s a gadget that could be worth buying for the other features that will come in clutch during painting, especially cleanup; for example, some feature a paint roller cleaner.

How it works: Locate the can opener on the tool and use it to gently pry open the lid. You might even have additional options, like a putty knife or flathead screwdriver, so feel free to choose what’s easiest.

An Old Key

“Old” is the operative word here; please don’t use a current set of home or car keys because you’ll risk bending or breaking them. But if there’s an old key languishing in a junk drawer because you can’t remember what actually opens, you might give it new life as a paint can opener.

How it works: Use it like an actual paint key; insert the flat side of the tip under the rim and press down on the key to gently pry open the lid. 

Butter Knife

Don’t attempt this move with silverware that’s been passed down through the generations. But if you are out of tools and ideas for opening a paint can, grab a butter knife from the kitchen drawer. Sure, you could use another type of knife, but anything sharper risks harming the paint can and yourself, so it’s not worth the attempt.

How it works: You know the drill by now: Insert the flat end of the knife under the lid and gently pry it open, moving about the lid as you do.

How to Prevent Spills When Opening a Can of Paint 

Now that you know how to open a paint can, it’s time to learn a few best practices so you won’t proceed to spill it all over the place.

• Use a tarp or drop cloth. Even a pro wouldn’t start a painting project without one, so it’s fair to say you should only open a paint can over one to avoid ruining surfaces. 
• Pry the lid open slowly. You'll want to use gentle motions to avoid bending the lid and so that it won't fly off and splash you or your home in the process.
• Secure the lid for later. Unless you plan to use the entire can of paint on the same day—a possibility, depending on the extent of your project—you’ll want to keep the lid clean. Wipe the edges of the lid and can so that no paint will get stuck and dry out, which will get in the way of reforming a seal. Store it in a zip-top plastic bag to keep it free of dust and dirt. Throw away the rag you used to clean it so you don't get paint on something else by accident, or place it on the tarp to dry before using it again.

How to Close a Can of Paint 

Wipe any excess paint from the rim of the paint can after opening it, otherwise it will harden as it dries and make it difficult to reopen the can.

Place the lid on the can, then cover the entire top of the paint can with a rag or cloth to avoid splashing and to protect the lid. With a hammer or a rubber mallet, tap gently around the edge of the lid until it is securely in place.