Why does nobody talk about paint can lids that won't budge? | Everyday Irritations

Barbara Rivera · 2026-02-27T19:40:28.726293+00:00

I was touching up some trim and the lid was stuck solid, like it was welded shut. A quick wipe around the rim with a rag before you close it keeps it from sticking so bad.

aaron1507mo ago

Actually, that wipe trick fails me half the time. Oil based paints seem to glue themselves shut no matter what. I had one can where the lid was so stuck, my putty knife snapped trying to lever it open. What do you do when rust locks it up tight from humidity? A dry rag wont fix that. Sometimes you just need to break out the big tools.

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dakotap857mo ago

Yeah, the oil based ones are the worst for that (it's like they make their own glue). I read somewhere that giving the lid a solid tap all the way around the edge with a rubber mallet can break that seal without bending the lid. The theory is it jars the dried paint loose from the groove. Still gotta clean that rim after, though, or you're back in the same boat next time.

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coleharris7mo ago

My buddy had to use a hammer and screwdriver to open his.

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