Epoxy Lined Paint Cans? Top Answer Update

Paint Can 101 – Paint Can Uses, Materials and Linings Explained

Paint cans are commonly used for packaging both industrial liquids and retail products. These containers are perfect for storing paint, varnish, varnish and stain. Round paint cans come in sizes from half a pint to a gallon, and metric sizes from a pint to five liters. Their cylindrical shape has an impressive stacking strength to weight ratio. With so many options available to the shipper, we thought we’d help by breaking down the features and details so you can decide which containers work best for your specific needs.

Plastic versus metal paint cans

The obvious difference between the two containers is the material they’re made of, but there’s more to it than that. Each type has its unique advantages and disadvantages that make it more suitable for different applications. Let’s go through the basics and the pros and cons for each can to hopefully paint a better picture of when each can should be used. Sorry for the terrible pun but we couldn’t resist!

Basics of Plastic Paint Cans Plastic paint cans are injection molded from a plastic resin, usually recycled polypropylene, usually black. Polypropylene is used because it offers good chemical compatibility and temperature stability. Some versions have a molded groove in the top rim of the can that engages with a matching lip in the lid. Other versions are a “hybrid” with a metal ring on top that works with a metal paint can lid. Plastic paint cans can be supplied with or without a plastic carrying handle.

Benefits of Plastic Paint Cans: Reusability – Plastic paint can lids can be taken on and off hundreds of times without damage and without compromising the seal. This keeps the contents fresher for longer, even after repeated opening and closing. Plastic is easier to clean and reuse.

Durability – Plastic cans are much more resistant to denting and damage during filling, transportation, storage and use. And of course they will never rust.

Weight – Size for size, plastic cans are generally lighter than metal cans, which can save you money when calculating your freight charges. Disadvantages of Plastic Paint Cans: Product Compatibility – Plastic paint cans are most commonly used for water-based liquids such as latex paint. They should not be used with solvent or oil based fluids.

Environmental Vulnerabilities – Plastic paint cans must be stored in a temperature-controlled location. Extreme temperatures can cause deformation or cracking.

Recyclability – Although many plastic paint cans are themselves made from recycled resins, there are limited opportunities to recycle the cans once they have been emptied.

Metal Paint Can Basics Metal paint cans were invented in the early 19th century to replace the glass and ceramic containers previously used. They were way better, for obvious reasons! Often referred to as “tin cans,” they are actually made of tinned steel (“tinplate”). The cylindrical body is rolled and welded from flat stock, and the tinplate bottom is double-seamed. A tinplate ring that holds the lid is seamed into the top of the can. Tinplate is attractively shiny and rust resistant. The exterior can be painted or heavily decorated and the interior can be coated with various trims to be compatible with a wide range of products. More on that later.

Benefits of Metal Paint Cans: 100% Barrier – Metal cans are completely impervious to outside air and light, preventing product migration.

Temperature Tolerance – Metal retains its strength under extreme temperatures; Plastic can crack, warp, or melt.

Recyclability – Steel is highly recyclable and is by far the most recycled metal in the world. Over 40% of new steel made in the US comes from recycled metal. Metal Paint Cans Cons: Rust – The exterior of a metal paint can is rust resistant and the interior can be coated with a liner that prevents corrosion, but over a long period of time rust is likely to form.

Damage – Metal cans are prone to denting and denting during shipping and handling.

Reclosability – The seal between the can and the lid depends on a firm friction fit between the can and the lid. Product on these surfaces can be difficult to clean and will affect the seal.

Ultimately, when choosing the right paint can material, you must consider your application, priorities, storage capabilities, and the material you hold. And you can always contact us at BASCO for expert help

What are paint can liners? Which feed is right for me?

Some think that lined paint cans should prevent the interior from rusting, just as paint on a car prevents the fender from rusting. The primary purpose of a can liner is to protect the product from reacting with the metal can. Plastic cans are inherently rust and corrosion resistant. You don’t need any food. Metal can liners are injected into the can after molding and then cured in an oven. Epoxy – A pigmented coating developed for products with a higher (alkaline) pH. Phenolic – Have a high level of resistance to solvents and low pH (acid) products such as B. Food, inks, essential oils and other hydrocarbon products. Epoxy-Phenol – Excellent chemical resistance to higher pH (alkaline) products such as food, surfactants, detergents, water-based resins. Epoxy gives the liner extra flexibility and minimizes the risk of cracking. Organosol – A gray pigmented vinyl dispersion commonly used for aggressive water-based products. It is applied in a much thicker film than epoxy coatings. If there are no problems with a product’s interaction with the metal, cans can be treated with a rust inhibitor that prevents flash rust and allows longer storage before filling.

Paint can storage tips for paint users

The ideal storage method depends on the product in the can, but there are some general rules of thumb that will help prevent deterioration of your containers and the products they contain.

Store Inside: A temperature-controlled indoor space is best for protecting your paint cans from the elements before and after you fill them. Exposure to things like rain, extreme temperatures, high humidity, or direct sunlight can cause metal containers to rust or plastic containers to warp and crack. These conditions will not do the content any good either! Use Labels: Repeatedly opening and resealing your paint cans also risks damaging the can and degrading the product. When your cans are properly labeled, you can instantly identify what’s inside and use older materials first. Try labeling your paint cans with more than just the color. Some categories you might consider are color, type, locations used, date first used, and brand.

Use smaller containers for leftovers:

Storing half a liter of paint in a gallon can wastes space and exposes the remaining paint to a lot of air. Instead, use smaller cans, like a quart or pint size, to store your leftovers. Or store small amounts of paint in jars with convenient screw caps that are easier to open, close and keep clean. Check out the Jar Store for a few options for solid storage jars.

Where can I buy paint cans?

Metal paint cans are made of the highest quality tinned steel. Available from 1/4 pint to 5 quart (imperial gallon). They can be supplied with or without handles. We stock unlined cans for oil based (solvent) paints and epoxy lined cans for water based materials and some chemicals. Lids are supplied with the cans.

Why recycle?

Plastic paint bucket

metal paint cans

How to recycle

Where to recycle

Reuse paint canisters

summary

It is easy and economical to dispose of used paint containers by recycling or reusing them. Paint containers are made from two types of easily recyclable materials. Both types are recycled and made into the same types of containers or a wide range of other industrial and commercial products. So why, how and where can you recycle and dispose of used paint containers? If every person on earth recycled, the benefits for everyone would be triple. The most cited and obvious benefit of recycling is the reduced environmental impact in terms of pollution. Pollution is caused by the initial extraction and processing of raw materials and environmental damage is caused by the disposal of the enormous amount of used items through landfills and landfills. Recycling items contributes to direct and indirect local and global economic benefits. Recycling programs create new local jobs and industries to process and reclaim items. Additional facilities extract and use materials for new purposes or the creation of new products. The reuse of recyclable materials then leads to a “new” resource. This replaces and saves the use of partially non-renewable raw materials from new goods in the manufacture of new products. We then work on living and working sustainably. Constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), known for its strength and durability, plastic paint buckets are one of the easiest, most popular and least expensive plastics to recycle. It is cheaper to make new products from recycled HDPE than to make them from virgin fossil raw materials. Because HDPE is non-biodegradable, it’s even more important to either recycle your plastic paint buckets or put them to some other use, rather than sending them to local landfills — where they’ll wait 500 years to decompose range of conventional commercial, industrial and household products or used in manufacture. Other products that HDPE can be recycled into are plastic pipes, large barrels, patio furniture, play equipment, toys, bottles, bins, cutting boards, trays, compost bins, trash and recycling bins. Metal paint cans are made from tinned steel. The thin layer of tin plating provides corrosion resistance while the steel provides strength. Steel cans are the world’s most recycled material and can be recycled repeatedly because there is no deterioration when steel is remelted. Steel recycling during the remelting process also consumes less energy than the original production from raw materials. Metal paint cans are easily recycled and are widely accepted by recyclers and scrap dealers. Steel cans are recycled to make new cans and other steel products such as tools, equipment, and building materials. Steelmaking by-products are also used in road surfacing and wastewater treatment filter systems. Always dispose of excess liquid paint before giving empty containers to a recycler. Liquid paint should be safely disposed of as hazardous waste or transferred to another suitable smaller container for later use. Some states have collection points for unused liquid paint, or you can contact schools and community groups to see if they accept paint donations. Check with your recycling collection point or agency if they accept containers of dried paint. If this is not the case, thin layers of paint that have dried on metal cans cannot be easily removed. Because paint does not adhere permanently to plastic, simply peel dried paint off the surface of HPDE containers. Your local authority and waste management authority can inform you of collection and/or drop-off points near you for recycling HDPE buckets and metal paint cans. There are also nationwide online databases such as Earth911 and Recycle Nation – you can use your zip code to search for recycling facilities near you. To check if your paint bucket is plastic HDPE, look for the recycling arrow symbol on the bottom of the bucket. A number 2 indicates that the synthetic resin is polyethylene. Another option is to reuse or reuse paint containers themselves instead of sending them to the recycling system. This also saves you money, since you don’t necessarily have to buy new containers for other purposes. The resilient properties of HDPE paint buckets allow for many practical uses when empty. Use HDPE buckets as pails, storage bins, trash cans and small compost bins. Alternatively, you can get creative with both empty tin plated steel and HDPE containers. Fill empty paint containers with sand or cement to make anchor weights for gazebos or tents, or drill drainage holes to make outdoor planters. The local and global benefits of recycling used paint containers contribute to a sustainable future for all. Safely disposing of unused liquid paint and recycling used paint containers is easy, whether you drop them off at your local recycling center or reuse them yourself.

To say we have a lot of paint left might be an understatement! When we bought our house, the builder left us a touch up kit with 2 liters of each paint used throughout the house (including all the original wall paint, the crown molding, ceiling and cabinet interior paint). Since then, we’ve repainted many rooms in the house, resulting in even more paint residue. In the boys bedroom alone where we painted ombre stripes, we have five different shades of teal to keep.

We didn’t have any usable storage space in our utility room for years, so we stored all those paint cans very haphazardly. Some leftover paint was stored on shelves in our detached garage which was a bad idea as the garage is not heated and the paint could get too cold in the summer (and probably too hot in the summer too). And all the leftover cans from the builder were stacked in boxes on the floor of our dressing room, which definitely wasn’t the best use of space!

I really wanted to get a handle on our color situation, but first I needed a place to put everything. We finally found a way to add shelves to our small utility room and with those shelves I was ready to start Project Paint Storage. The first step was to collect all the paint in one place. Wow, that’s a lot of color!

When I saw how much paint we had, I realized I needed to do more than just move all the cans down to our new utility room shelves, so I started researching (on blogland, of course) for alternative ideas for storing paints.

I quickly learned that mason jars had become the most popular way to store leftover paint. And while I can see the appeal because the color looks so pretty in these little jars, I knew this wasn’t the best solution for me for a number of reasons. First, a standard-size mason jar holds 16 ounces (or 1 pint), and most of my paint cans held more than a pint. Second, I just don’t trust glass when it comes to something that could be so devastatingly messy if the glass shattered.

This second concern was especially important to me because our new utility room shelves are bolted to the cleats, leaving a gap between the cleats large enough for a mason jar to be slid right off the back of the shelf where it would fall down onto the cement floor .

But I liked the concept of decanting my paint into different containers and I liked the idea of ​​those containers being clear so I could see the color and amount of paint in each one. So I asked the internet, “Can you store leftover paint in a plastic container?” Turns out, the answer is yes! In fact, some paint brands have started to switch to plastic cans. After a little bit of shopping I found the perfect plastic canisters! This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something I recommend, you’ll pay the same price, but I may earn a small commission.

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These canisters are not only made of plastic but of glass and have several great advantages:

(1) they come in 1 gallon and 2 quart sizes (ideal for the amounts of paint I need to store);

(2) they have screw caps that form a nice seal;

(3) their overall square shape allows them to be lined up side by side while taking up significantly less space than a standard round paint can;

(4) they have a great built-in handle that makes it easy to lift and pour with one hand;

(5) the canisters can be easily washed out and reused for another color in the future; and

(6) the price is unbeatable!

A few important notes: I only transferred my latex paint (water based) to the plastic canisters. I’ve read that oil-based paint will eventually eat through plastic, so I don’t recommend storing oil-based paint in plastic canisters like these. Since oil-based paints have the same problems from rusting cans, consider using glass instead to store leftover oil-based paints. Also, I will only keep my latex paint in the utility room. I have an in-depth post on how to properly store and dispose of different types of paint, including latex, oil, and spray paint.

When I transferred all of our latex paints from their original paint cans to the plastic canisters, I had to create labels for the canisters to capture all the details, including the paint brand, color name, color number and gloss. At the same time, I also created a color reference chart to keep all the details in one place, as well as a simple custom paint deck to take with me when I went shopping when matching the decor to our paint colors.

Instead of printing pretty labels with all the color details already included, I instead chose to create a simple label template that I could handwrite the details on. This was a prescient decision as I know that realistically the next time I buy paint and transfer the leftovers to a canister I don’t want to take the time to print a custom label. Instead I can now print additional blank labels and have them ready to write the details in and tape them to a canister when the time comes.

I printed my labels on glossy sticker paper, then I cut out the circular labels just inside the black line, using the circular edge as a guide.

And guess what? I share this cute color label template with you! Simply click here to download the full size template (four labels per 8.5 x 11 inches) as a JPG file and print your own labels. These labels are perfectly sized to fit onto the lids of plastic canisters, but are also ideally sized to place directly onto a paint can (more on this below).

Once my labels were cut and finished, it was time to transfer color. At this point, you might be wondering, “Why go to all this trouble? Why not just leave the paint in the original cans?” They say a picture is worth a thousand words – here is my best answer to that question:

Not only does it look gross, but that rusting can is certainly not good for the paint! And that particular can of paint wasn’t even very old. If I left all of the paint in the original cans, the cans would continue to rust and ultimately ruin the paint. My online research shows that this really isn’t a good solution to prevent cans from rusting. Therefore transferring the paint to another, airtight storage container will extend the life of the paint. Read more about storing paint properly and how to tell if paint has gone bad.

When it came to actually transferring the paint from the cans to my plastic canisters, we placed each canister in a cardboard box to protect our kitchen counter from drips or spills, and then simply poured the paint from one canister to the other.

One at a time we filled the cans of paint into the canisters and put a sticker on the top of each canister stating the contents, including the brand of paint, color and gloss. I peeled off the backing of the sticker paper and placed each label in the center of the canister lid, pressing down around the edge to create a good seal.

Alternatively, if you don’t have the time or inclination to transfer all of your paint into new containers, you can stick a sticker label directly onto the lid of the paint can. After pouring paint into a paint tray several times, paint often drips down the side of the can, making it impossible to read the brand or color. By sticking a label on top of the can before storing it, you won’t be able to guess what’s in the can later.

After all of my paint was poured into the canisters and all of the canister lids were labeled, I was thrilled with the results. Now I can tell the color of the contents and the approximate amount at a glance. But the best thing is that my paintwork is no longer ruined by rusting cans.

Comparing the old paint cans with the new paint cans lined up on a shelf in the utility room illustrates the effectiveness of my new paint storage solution.

How to prevent paint cans from rusting after opening

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From strange to downright silly, we have all come across myths in retail that are supposed to make everyday life easier for us, but in practice often lead to mishaps. And this myth is a prime example:

MYTH

Storing an already opened, partially used can of paint upside down will keep the can sealed and the paint fresher for longer.

NOT CORRECT!

Not the case! Storing previously opened cans of paint upside down can actually lead to a serious spill. If the lid gets stuck to the surface of the table or floor, it can come loose when you try to pick it up and leave a big ol’ mess. Nobody wants to clean up several liters of emulsion…

Instead, just make sure the paint cap is pushed down properly to create an airtight seal. Wiping wet paint from the inside rim of the lid and top of the can with a damp cloth will help ensure a good seal and reduce the chance of the lid sticking. You can even place a layer of cling film over the opening of the tin before replacing the lid to prevent the paint from drying out.

If you only have a small amount of paint left, transferring it to a smaller, sealable container will help keep the paint in good condition until next time.

Do you have a myth that needs busting? Tell us all about it on our Twitter and Facebook channels and maybe we can solve it for you and settle any dispute once and for all.

One advantage of working with latex paint is that it is easy to use. Once you bring the paint back mixed from the store, the latex paint is ready to use.

New, freshly mixed latex paint rarely needs to be thinned for most paint roller and brush applications. Paint manufacturers produce latex paint with a viscosity suitable for an average number of uses. Because “average” does not apply to every situation, you may need to thin latex paint for applications such as paint sprayers or for older paint that has lost some of its water content through evaporation.

How does water dilute latex paint?

Paint falls into two categories: oil-based (or alkyds) or water-based. Oil paints should only be diluted or cleaned with petroleum or mineral products. In contrast, latex paint is water-based and should only be cleaned and thinned with water.

Water is the carrier of solid products in latex paint. Successful latex paint thinning requires a reasonably accurate estimate of paint viscosity and the addition of the correct amount of water.

Have you recently gotten the ambition to paint? Well, you may be wondering whether paint should be shaken or stirred before painting. If you don’t mix the contents well enough before you start painting, you probably won’t get the results you want.

Should paint be shaken or stirred? Paint needs to be shaken and stirred. Before leaving the store where you bought the paint, they should shake the paint in a machine to ensure it is properly mixed. Before you start painting, you should also stir up the paint. The longer the paint sits, the more you’ll need to stir it before you start painting.

Knowing how long or when to shake or stir paint is important if you want your walls to look great when the job is done. If you’ve never painted before, it can be confusing knowing how and when to stir or shake your paint, but don’t worry. i got you covered Read on to get all your questions answered.

When to shake paint

As a general rule, you should shake the paint you buy from the store so that the colors and ingredients mix properly. Shops have a special paint shaker that gets the job done better than you could ever do by hand.

If you forget to get your paint shaken at the store, you may be able to take it back to the store and have it shaken for you. Most stores do this for free. Why not benefit from it?

If you’ve been trying to get back to business and for some reason you’re not willing to shake it, you might be able to shake it with an attachment called a color mixing propeller. This device attaches to your drill and is pretty easy to use.

Do not shake your paint by hand if it has been stored for more than a week. Hand shaking paint that has been stored for so long will not mix the paint and ingredients well enough. If you use paint that hasn’t been shaken properly, you’ll end up with all sorts of different colors on your wall and it may start peeling. Well, if you’re into something like this you’ll definitely start trembling, but most of us want the color we picked from the color chart.

Using a mixing propeller to mix paint

Using a mixing propeller is the easiest and most effective way to remix your paint at home without having to take it out for professional mixing. But how do you use it if you’ve never done it before? Follow these simple steps and you’ll be mixing paint like a pro yourself.

Drill a hole in the lid: First, drill a hole in the lid that is slightly larger than the attachment. After you’ve done this, remove the lid.

Place the attachment in the can: Dip the attachment in the paint. Don’t turn it on yet.

Replace the lid: Fit the lid over the attachment using the hole you made and attach.

Place a towel over the edges of the hole: To avoid splashing, you can place a towel or rag over the edges of the can.

Place the attachment on the drill: The last step is to place the attachment on the drill. Then you can mix the color.

If you’ve left your paint for a few months, you’ll want to give it a shake too. While it’s sitting, the paint can and will separate over time. Every time you open the can you should check it. We are also aware that some colors will go bad if left on for too long.

When paint stir

In general, you should stir paint if you’re going to use it a few days after you got it from the store. Yes, it can start separating as soon as you bring it home. That’s why you get a stir stick at the store.

Stir on opening: Just open the can and use the stirring stick to stir it a few times. Even if you just brought it back from the store, you should mix the paint’s contents before using it. The content of the paint settles out fairly quickly.

Stir while painting: You should also make sure you stir it between uses as well. This ensures optimal color results. When you walk into a store and complain about the color you got, that’s often one of the first questions you’re asked.

Stir before opening: You should stir the paint just before use.

If stored cooler: If you have stored it in a refrigerated room. Paint should be stored at room temperature. If it has been stored in a room with a slightly cooler temperature than the rest of the house, such as For example, in a basement or garage, you should stir and let it come to room temperature before painting, otherwise you’ll have thicker layers of discolored paint all over your walls.

Shaking paint by hand: An alternative to stirring

Shaking the paint by hand instead of stirring it can also work. However, do not shake by hand to compensate for professional shaking. But if you lost the stirrer you received or just feel like shaking the paint, shaking is a good alternative to stirring. But it won’t mix the chemicals well enough that will sink to the bottom of the can.

To clarify, you want to have it professionally shaken once to mix the original colors and chemicals. Once you get home and it’s been standing for a while, you can shake the paint by hand. The stirring propeller will do if you can’t shake it professionally.

The exposure time of your paint will determine how long or vigorously you should shake the paint. A good rule of thumb is to use same day, stir gently before use. If you wait a few days, you should shake it well with your hands. However, if it has been sitting for a week or more, you should shake it professionally or use an impeller.

Stir paint properly and how long to stir by hand?

Knowing how to stir paint is the most important part of the painting process. Yes, there is a right way to stir paint. It’s pretty straight forward and easy to learn. Here are some tips for stirring paint properly.

The best way to stir a can of paint by hand is to use the wooden paint stick, dipping it into the paint and making sure the stick reaches all the way to the bottom of the can to make sure you got the stuff settled at the bottom of the can.

Next, stir it in a circular motion, being careful not to spill the contents of the can.

Depending on how the paint looks, you should stir it slowly for between 2 and 5 minutes.

Does paint need to be stirred?

Yes, paint needs to be stirred. It needs to be stirred every time you use it as well as while you paint. That’s why every time you buy paint from the store, you get a stirrer.

In general, you should stir the paint for a few minutes before you start painting. You determine how long you need to stir the paint, how it looks. Here are some good things to keep in mind when determining stir time.

This is especially important if you’re using a brush that needs to be constantly dipped in paint to reload it. If you keep dipping the brush in the can, you will contaminate the paint with dirt and dust from the surface you are painting on. Also, the paint in the can will dry out faster if you leave the can open. It is best to fill the paint in a separate container that you can hold with one hand and dip the brush in with the other hand while painting. When it needs to be refilled, open the paint can, stir and pour paint into your container as needed.