Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 53 minutes ago
Finish cans have two jobs: keep the outside world out, and preserve what’s inside. Here are 6 small things that keep a metal finish can from slowly becoming useless…because finishes are expensive.
First, the obvious one: you can buy a special can opener to protect the rim. But why? A screwdriver, or even an ugly chisel, can do the same thing.
The trick is to work your way around the can, lifting the lid a little at a time instead of prying it up from one spot. That way, the lid stays flat and goes back on right.
A damaged lid or rim means a bad seal, and a bad seal can ruin your finish fast.
Second, we want to keep finish out of the rim area. An old trick is to stretch a rubber band across the can so you have something to wipe the brush against. This lets you dip the brush in and wipe off the excess. If you don’t have a rubber band, painter’s tape wrapped tightly around the can works too.
Third, if finish does get into the groove, or you want to stop it collecting there in the future, use a nail to punch a few drain holes in the bottom of the inner groove. I use about three, spaced evenly around the can. It’s an old trick, but it works…and honestly, these cans should already come like this.
Fourth, add the date you opened it on the top. This gives you some idea as to the age of the contents. You can also mark the level on the side by using a thin strip, lowering it until it reaches the finish, and then transferring that level to the outside of the can.
Fifth, the oxygen in the air is aging your finish. If you don’t have a lot left, transfer it into a smaller container. My favorite method is to use a StopLoss bag, which allows you to see what’s inside, remove the air that ages the finish, and see the condition of the finish.
If you have no desire to use a StopLoss bag or transfer liquids, you can buy inert gas that you blow into the top of the can before putting the lid back on.
Finally, another way to protect the finish for the future is to use plastic wrap as a seal.
But regardless of whether you use plastic film, make sure you close the container with several light taps around the top. A block of wood works if you’ve got a hammer, or just use a rubber mallet.
For 10 more finishing tips, I have a video right over here.
Link in the description:
Argon Gas → amzn.to/4y75KeI ←
Stop loss bags → amzn.to/3QmRcC4 ←
As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Like step by step projects? Check out the second channel! → @makethingswithrob
Buy me a beverage! → buymeacoffee.com/makethings ←
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Bill Patterson
D. Lundman
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
Finish cans have two jobs: keep the outside world out, and preserve what’s inside. Here are 6 small things that keep a metal finish can from slowly becoming useless…because finishes are expensive.
First, the obvious one: you can buy a special can opener to protect the rim. But why? A screwdriver, or even an ugly chisel, can do the same thing.
The trick is to work your way around the can, lifting the lid a little at a time instead of prying it up from one spot. That way, the lid stays flat and goes back on right.
A damaged lid or rim means a bad seal, and a bad seal can ruin your finish fast.
Second, we want to keep finish out of the rim area. An old trick is to stretch a rubber band across the can so you have something to wipe the brush against. This lets you dip the brush in and wipe off the excess. If you don’t have a rubber band, painter’s tape wrapped tightly around the can works too.
Third, if finish does get into the groove, or you want to stop it collecting there in the future, use a nail to punch a few drain holes in the bottom of the inner groove. I use about three, spaced evenly around the can. It’s an old trick, but it works…and honestly, these cans should already come like this.
Fourth, add the date you opened it on the top. This gives you some idea as to the age of the contents. You can also mark the level on the side by using a thin strip, lowering it until it reaches the finish, and then transferring that level to the outside of the can.
Fifth, the oxygen in the air is aging your finish. If you don’t have a lot left, transfer it into a smaller container. My favorite method is to use a StopLoss bag, which allows you to see what’s inside, remove the air that ages the finish, and see the condition of the finish.
If you have no desire to use a StopLoss bag or transfer liquids, you can buy inert gas that you blow into the top of the can before putting the lid back on.
Finally, another way to protect the finish for the future is to use plastic wrap as a seal.
But regardless of whether you use plastic film, make sure you close the container with several light taps around the top. A block of wood works if you’ve got a hammer, or just use a rubber mallet.
For 10 more finishing tips, I have a video right over here.
Link in the description:
Argon Gas → amzn.to/4y75KeI ←
Stop loss bags → amzn.to/3QmRcC4 ←
As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Like step by step projects? Check out the second channel! → @makethingswithrob
Buy me a beverage! → buymeacoffee.com/makethings ←
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Bill Patterson
D. Lundman
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
