How to Close a Paint Can

Closing a can of paint can be surprisingly difficult! Improper sealing can result in the lid coming off creating messes that waste the product. There are several different ways you can close a paint can with less hassle. Your specific situation will help determine which one suits you best. Read on to find the right one for you! 

To close a can of paint without a machine, you can use a mallet. However, it’s very important to use a hard flat surface in between the mallet and the paint can such as a small plank of wood. This cushions the force of the mallet and ensures that the weight of the blow is evenly distributed.

Step 1: Place the paint can on a flat, sturdy surface.

Step 2: Align the lid to fit the can.

Step 3: Place a sturdy, even surface slightly longer than the diameter of the can on top of the lid. If you wish to prevent potential splatters you may place a rag underneath the block.

Step 4: Use your mallet to hammer at the object to evenly push down the lid onto the paint can.

This ensures that you will get an even seal without accidentally causing damage to the paint can. The mallet method also has the benefit of being less messy than other machine-free alternatives such as using your boot. Out of the three methods, this is the one with the lowest upfront cost. 

An alternative method you can use to close a can of paint is a manual paint can closer. A manual closer is a machine that allows you to evenly seal paint cans with speed and consistency by simply operating a lever.

Manual paint can closers are adjustable to work with a range of paint can sizes from 1/2 pint to 1-gallon cans. 

• Place the lid on the paint can. 
• Align the paint can to the closer. If necessary, adjust the height to suit the paint can.
• Maneuver the lever to press down the lid.
•  If you will be using a lock ring, simply repeat the steps above after placing over the lid.
•  For a video walking through the steps click here.

Manual tools have the benefit of being less expensive than automatic paint can closers, while still being more efficient than a mallet. They also eliminate the kind of messy splattering you might get with a mallet.

Manual paint can closers provide even pressure with less effort for an airtight seal without the noise and potential hazard of a mallet. They are simple to use and don’t take up much space.

The most convenient way to close a paint can lid is with an automatic paint can closer. There are both adjustable options like the manual closers and single size options for a particular can size.

Automatic paint can closers provide fast and effortless seals to prevent leaks and spills. They are a speedier and more efficient option compared to manual closing options and require less effort and time to operate.

• Place the lid onto the paint can.
• Align the can to the machine.
• Let the machine do the rest!

Automatic closers have the advantage of being the most time efficient method to close paint cans. Like the manual closers they provide a mess free method. However, automatic paint can closers have the highest upfront cost. This cost can be more than worth it if you’re closing paint cans regularly. Automatic closers are a perfect option for those who need to close many paint cans efficiently and require little to no effort to operate.

The most important factor in closing a paint can lid is evenly applying pressure for an airtight seal. There are several methods you can use to achieve this.

A mallet would have the lowest upfront cost, though it may be more economical to pay more for a method with more efficiency if you will be closing a large number of paint cans.

With manual closers, you don’t have to worry about the mess of potential splatters while enjoying the greater speed that comes with ease of operation. They are an excellent option for those who need to close paint cans with relative frequency and consistent quality.

Finally, an automatic paint can closer would guarantee you the ultimate efficiency in achieving an airtight seal with the least amount of effort. Automatic closures are the best option for those who need to close a large amount of paint cans with reliable speed and quality.

From mallets for occasional use, to automatic closers for frequent sealing; there’s a method for you. Let the Cary Company help you close paint cans hassle free. Now that you’re an expert on the various methods, shop our selection of wholesale paint cans and closing tools and save with volume pricing!