How to Pour Paint Without Dripping or Spilling

Three Ways to Avoid Dripping Paint and Paint-Filled Can Rims

No matter how careful you are when you pour paint out of a can, you probably are almost always left with drips on the outside and paint filling the rim. But it really doesn't have to be this way. Ron found three replacement lids with built in spouts that eliminate the mess.

The first type of lid snaps into the groove on the can rim and has a removable inner cover and open pouring spout. This lid pours freely and allows unwanted paint to flow back into the can although the spout does require a bit of wiping. This lid also features a handy built in brush holder, which consists of two small magnets that grip the steel ferrule.

The second lid fits on the outside of the can and features a molded spout with a screw off cap and an air vent. The vent makes for smooth, even pouring and the spout design leaves almost no cleanup.

And finally, a metal lid replaces one that comes with the paint and has a built in collapsible spout that pops up with a plug on the cap ring. Because this lid has no air vent, pouring tends to be a little less even, producing a gulping action, but leaves almost no clean-up. When you're finished with the paint, simply screw the cap back onto the nozzle and then push the whole spout back down into the lid. The great thing about this design is that it allows you to stack one can on top of another.

If you're tired of dealing with paint mess and you want to keep your leftover paint in good condition, then you might want to consider one of these pouring lids.