Guide to Paint Cans
Paint can storage is essential across many industries, providing a reliable way to store paints, coatings, and similar materials. Understanding the differences in materials, sizes, and uses of paint cans is important in choosing the best option for your storage needs.
In this guide to paint cans, we will go over the differences found in common paint can materials and sizes, and how to choose the right can for your needs.
Types of Paint Cans
The Cary Company has various cans to meet your paint can storage needs. Our available paint cans are constructed from metal, plastic, or a hybrid of the two materials.
Paint Can Linings
At The Cary Company, we offer our different inner linings for our metal and hybrid paint cans. You can choose cans with an epoxy phenolic coating, gold phenolic liner, or purchase unlined paint cans.
Standard Paint Can Sizes
Paint cans are available in various sizes, ranging from 1/4 pint to 5 gallons. This variety in paint can dimensions allows flexibility for what our paint cans could be used for. Our paint can size chart provides a list of common paint can sizes with their typical uses.
| Size | Application |
| 1/4 pint | Small sample projects and color testing |
| 1/2 pint | Small home repairs and color testing |
| 1 pint | Minor repairs and touch-ups |
| 1 quart | DIY projects and household painting |
| 5 quarts | Home improvement jobs |
| 1/2 gallon | Large projects or walls |
| 1 gallon | Large projects or rooms |
| 5 gallons | Large projects or commercial jobs |
How to Choose the Right Paint Can
Choosing the right paint can will ultimately depend on your needs. The kind of paint, project size, and storage needs can all influence which paint cans you need.
Paint Type
The kind of paint you are storing can determine what material your paint cans should be made from.
- Oil-based paints are best stored in metal cans, as metal provides a tight seal and prevents chemical reactions.
- Water-based paints are commonly stored in plastic or hybrid cans, which resist corrosion and are lightweight.
- Specialty coatings or industrial paints may require lined cans or unique containers.
Project Size
The size of your project will influence the size paint cans you need.
- Small cans (1/4 pint - 1 pint) are ideal for color samples, touch-ups, or detailed work.
- Medium cans (1 quart - ½ gallon) work well for small projects
- Large cans (1 gallon or larger) are best used for larger work, such as full rooms, exterior painting, or commercial projects.
Storage Needs
How and where you plan to store your paint cans will also affect your choice.
- For frequent travel, such as for job-site use, cans clips or ring locks can help prevent leaks or spills.
- If paint will be stored for extended periods, airtight seals are essential for preventing drying, skinning, or contamination.
- For stacked or warehouse storage, durable cans offer better stability.
Find Your Paint Can Solutions at The Cary Company!
At The Cary Company, we offer a wide range of paint cans, with a variety of choices in material, size, and liners. If you have questions beyond our guide to paint cans, or are looking for a specific paint can, we’re here to help! The Cary Product Sourcing Team will work with you to find the best solution based on your needs. Give us a call at 630.629.6600 or email us at sales@thecarycompany.com.
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