What Features to Look for in a Paint Bucket

Here are six features to look for in a paint bucket when purchasing:

1. Graduated Markings: Graduated markings, also known as measurement marks, are the lines that help professionals to mix the equal paint ratio. It not only reduces the paint wastage but also provides a desirable consistency and amount of paint emulsion. Paint buckets have measurement markings in both imperial and metric forms. The imperial system contains measurements of length in inches, feet, yards, miles, weight in ounces, pounds, and volume in cups, pints, quarts, and gallons. Paint buckets with the imperial system are found in America, but the metric system is adopted on a global level. The metric system measures length in mm, cm, m, km, weight in g, kg, and volume in ml, l. Understand the units of the metric and imperial systems, as they all have different values. Mark paint buckets yourself, as many 5-gallon buckets don’t have graduated markings. Measure the width (diameter) of the bucket and divide it by two to measure the radius. Use these values to identify the height of a 5-gallon bucket and then mark accordingly. Use a milk carton to mark accurate lines.
2. Snap-On Lids or Seals: Snap-on lids are the lids of paint cans that open and close without any extra force. Snap-on lids are closed in three easy steps: snap, spin, and seal. Snap includes a clicking sound when the lid is placed on the paint rim. Spinning involves moving the lid in the closing direction and then sealing it. Sapn on-lids come in various sizes, shapes, and materials. Professionals prefer the lids with spouts as they reduce the hassle of removing the whole lid. Just pull the small tub, fix the spout, and pour the paint. Paint professionals recommend placing a plastic sheet on the rims before closing the lid. It protects the paint from metal exposure and also seals the air from entering the container. The lid protects the paint from hazardous factors and helps it to stay fresh for a longer time. 
3. Sturdy Handle or Bail: Bail is a half-circle-shaped string attached to the sides of the bucket to hold it up. They are made up of plastic, metal, and steel, depending on the type of bucket material. These handles help professionals to carry the bucket from one site to another without spilling paint. 
4. Pour Spouts or Rims: A pour spout is the plastic piece used to pour paint from paint buckets. It is available in different designs and sizes, such as tapered, cylindrical, funnel, and angled. They all have different shapes, sizes, and places to attach. Cylindrical spouts are the most common form of spout used. They are attached to the lid tub to pour paint out of the bucket. Cylindrical spouts have three sizes in one. Twist the button and remove one part to see if the second fits the lid tub. Circular spouts sit on the rim, and plastic becomes parallel to the bucket at a different angle. These spouts do not allow even a drop of paint to spill around. Use masking or painter’s tape to DIY the paint spout at home. Cut at least 7 to 9 inches of tape twice and stick them to the rim in a “V” shape. Don’t tuck the tape and pour paint from the “V” point. 
5. Roller Grid Compatibility: Don’t select a small 2 to 3-gallon bucket for an 18-inch roller. Rollers require rectangular paint buckets to dip the complete roller cover. Roller cover soaks a high amount of paint, which results in drips and stains. Grids or ridges become a necessity for brushes and rollers. Look for the paint buckets with built-in grids or attachable metal grids that fit in. Move the roller back and forth on these grids to tap off excess paint before applying. 
6. Metal Brush Holders: A metal brush holder is a small magnet inside the paint bucket that secures the brush in place when painting on ladders. It is located inside the paint buckets near the rim. It holds the brush from the ferrule and avoids paint drips. 

What Materials are Used in Paint Buckets

Here are the three materials used in producing paint buckets:

1. Plastic Buckets: Plastic paint buckets are made up of polypropylene (PP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material. They are known for their flexibility, strength, and longevity. These materials melt and are placed into a bucket mold to build these buckets. This process is called injection molding, and it is widely used even in the production of household plastic containers. Plastic buckets are recycled with the same process. Manufacturers also use in-mold labeling (IML) techniques to create permanent labels on the buckets. Plastic paint buckets are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective, which makes them a top choice for many people. They are prone to damage when placed near heaters, industrial machines, and thermostats. 
2. Metal Buckets (Galvanized or Steel): Metal paint buckets are made up of tinplate, stainless, or galvanized steel. Unlike plastic, metals are heat-resistant and do not change their shape. They are strong and have a lifespan longer than plastic buckets. Tinplate and galvanized buckets are prone to rust and corrosion. Stainless steel resists the RDOX reaction to some extent. They are used to store paint at specific locations. Steel buckets are recyclable, which makes them a sustainable option, unlike plastics.
3. Eco-Friendly or Recycled Plastic: Manufacturers use HDPE (high-density polyethylene) from milk jugs and polyethylene from plastic bottles to produce buckets. There are two other types of eco-friendly plastic, such as bioplastic and biodegradable plastic. It takes up to a thousand years for a plastic bag to decay. Recycling and reusing them is the best way to minimize their waste. Recycled plastic paint buckets are available in the market as an alternative to new ones. 

What are the Common Sizes and Their Uses of Paint Buckets

Here are the three sizes of paint buckets with their usages:

1. 1 Quart to 1 Gallon: 1 quart is 32 fluid ounces and ¼ of the gallon. These are the units of volume, and one gallon contains 4 quarts. These paint buckets are small in size and used for touch-ups. Many homeowners use them to store leftover paint, primer, and coatings. 1 quart is much smaller than a 1-gallon bucket, so choose the one that meets the substrate requirements. 
2. 2 to 3 Gallons: Unlike 1-gallon, 2 and 3-gallon paint buckets are used for mixing and storing paint for the long term. They contain the graduated markings for accurate measurements and hold more paint. They are the most common size of paint bucket used globally. They are portable, easy to move, and reduce the need for frequent refilling like one-gallon paint buckets. 
3. 5 Gallons: A 5-gallon bucket is the largest size of paint bucket, and it is used during construction and home remodeling projects. It holds more paint than other traditional paint buckets. Homeowners use them to store, mix, and carry water and oil-based paints. 

How to Use Paint Buckets Effectively

Here are the eight tips the use a paint bucket effectively:

1. Pre-Cleaning: Wash the paint bucket if it was previously used before refilling it. Use a mild detergent or soap to clean it and then let it dry in natural air until it dries. It protects the paint from contamination or spoilage. 
2. Use Liners: Select suitable liners (plastic sheets) and use them to cover the bucket. It reduces the mess and cleaning hassle after painting. Just pull all the corners of the sheet and throw it away. Homeowners clean and reuse them to save future expenses. Choose a metal grid when painting with rollers to tap off excess paint and avoid a patchy look. 
3. Proper Mixing: Mix the exact paint ratios with a paddle or stirring stick to achieve a desired paint consistency. Don’t use a paint with bubbles and lumps in it, as it ruins the overall look and is prone to orange peel. Poor paint mixing affects its adhesion and lifespan.
4. Avoid Overfilling: Fill the paint bucket with a gap of 5 to 6 inches (⅔) from the rims. Don’t overfill the paint bucket, as it increases the risk of paint spills when painting on a ladder with a plastic drop cloth on the floor.
5. Use a Pour Spout: A pour spout helps to direct the paint from the bucket to the tray or painting bucket without any mess. DIY with painter’s tape or purchase the plastic ones from the market and attach them to the bucket rims.
6. Secure the Lid: Snap, spin, and seal the lid after pouring the paint required. The lid keeps the unused paint fresh and free from contamination. Open the lid with a screw and don’t damage it, as it’s difficult to get the same one again. 
7. Label the Contents: Mark the paint bucket with the paint name and color when storing for the long term. Mention the contents on the lid, in the front, or under the paint bucket. 
8. Stabilize During Use: Make sure to place a tray under the bucket when painting. Don’t place it directly on plastic drop cloths, as they are prone to slipping and spilling. Keep paint buckets on a slip-resistant surface and stabilize before use.

How to Wash a Paint Bucket after Painting?

Here is the step-by-step guide to washing paint buckets after painting:

1. Remove Excess Paint: Remove the paint that comes off easily with a scraper or any other tool. 
2. Rinse and Scrub: Put the paint bucket under water and use a sponge to remove the hard paint. Rinse it with soap or mild detergent for proper cleaning.
3. Dealing with Dried Paint: Use a paint stripper for dried paint, or fill the bucket with hot water so it softens. Don’t use a knife or sharp objects, as they scratch the bucket and cause leaks or cracks. 
4. Wash and Dry: Wash the bucket and let it dry in the open air. Seal the lid tightly and preserve it for future use.

When to Replace a Paint Bucket

Replace the paint bucket when it gets damaged as a result of high temperatures and heat. Don’t use a cracked or leaking paint bucket, as it wastes the paint and increases expenses. Avoid using the rusted or bucket without a lid. It increases the chances of paint spoilage and decreases its shelf life. Paint buckets with loose lids increase the chances of damage and microbial growth. Avoid storing paint in such containers. Make sure to switch buckets when the graduated marks are no longer visible. It becomes difficult to get an accurate ratio of paint and solvents with these measurement marks.