| How to Prevent Paint From Dripping Outside of the Can Sep 20th 2012, 14:00 Whether you're painting an interior room or creating an artful masterpiece, here is how to combat "drippy brush syndrome" by using a few simple household items. Rubber band anti-drip - Find a strong, new rubber band. It needs to be a large rubber band that can be stretched vertically around the paint can. It needs to be a rubber band that won't break, so discard any bands with rips or tears.
- After opening up the paint can, wrap the large rubber band vertically around the can. Place the band so that it hovers across the middle of the can. This allows you plenty of space either side to keeping dipping in the brush to get more paint without bumping the band.
- If using various cans at once, consider placing rubber bands on all cans you plan to use beforehand to avoid having to stop mid-painting.
- Prep the brush and practice using the rubber band method to remove excess drips of paint. Dip the brush halfway into the can of paint. Next, run the base of the brush (where most of the paint has gathered) along the rubber band to remove the excess paint. This should be enough to remove drips and leave an even coat of paint on the brush, ready to begin painting.
- Paint a piece of paper or an area you can use as a trial. This will let you know if the trick is working properly.
- Continue to use this method as you paint. It'll soon become second nature to run the brush along the band. Replace the band if it gets too clogged up with paint or in the event of it breaking or sagging too much. And be sure to use a new rubber band every time you paint. Using old rubber bands, caked with paint from past projects could mix old paint with the new paint.
Duct tape anti-drip - Open the can of paint.
- Place a strip of duct tape across the open mouth of the can.
- Overlap the tape ends down the sides of the can by approximately 3 inches/7.5cm.
- Use the tape to wipe off excess paint from the brush as you paint, in lieu of wiping on the can edge.
- Remove the tape when your job is done.
- Replace the lid.
Punched holes anti-drip - Open the paint can.
- Drive a nail through the gutter around the ridge of the can.
- Space the holes approximately every 5" (15cm). Paint will drip through the holes in the gutter and back into the can instead of dribbling over the outside edge of the can.
- Close the lid. It should seal over the top of the holes just fine.
- Use clean tools when painting. Even if the gear you're using is old, make sure it is clean and still in good working order. Old paintbrushes are fine provided they're still flexible and cleaned well.
- Create a logistic order for your supplies. This means that if you're painting the top of the wall, consider placing the paint can and brushes on a well-anchored table or chair so you have quick and easy access. Also, keep cleaning supplies handy in case of an accidental spill. Maintain supplies in close proximity to where you're painting so that you don't waste time walking from the can of paint located at one end of the room to the other.
- Inspect paint cans for dents, rust or flaking paint on the exterior before you begin painting. The condition of the paint can can contribute to the ease of difficulty of the painting experience––for example, anything that could fall off the can into the paint has the potential to change the color or create uneven surfaces, such as paint chips or rust off the can.
- Don't place the paint can too far away from the wall or your artwork. Having the paint too far away from the project is a recipe for a drip where you don't want one!
- Have paint thinner, newspaper and/or drop cloths on hand. In any painting situation, ensure quick and accessible ways to cover up any mistakes or mishaps. Paint thinner, clean rags and drop clothes to cover and protect your furniture and flooring are vital.
- Have extra supplies on hand, just in case. If you're working with numerous paint cans or if your painting project lasts for several days you may want to have extra brushes and bands on hand. This will reduce the number of trips to the home improvement store, increasing efficiency.
- Always wash your brushes in warm soapy water after being used. A dip in paint thinner for stubborn residual paint will help keep your brushes healthy and new. Another idea is to soak paintbrushes in hot vinegar and then wash well.
- Clean the top of paint cans after uses. Run a wet clean cloth along the tops and inside the can's ridges to clear excess paint. Store paint cans in an area that is room temperature to maintain the integrity of the paint.
Edit Warnings - Clear any small children or animals from the area. Kids and pets are curious, especially when a painting project is happening in their home. Block off the area using a baby gate or even a few chairs to ensure an undisturbed workspace. This will prevent unexpected paint disasters occurring from curiosity!
Edit Things You'll Need - Rubber band or tape or something to punch holes with
- Clean paintbrushes
- Covers for workspace
- Sturdy places to rest paint cans
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