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Materials: common problems

Cant get the lids off large plastic emulsion/latex containers

Carefully unsnap the lid, 3 to 4 inches at a time, working your way methodically round the complete lid. It should then just lift off.

Cant get the lids off 2 or 5 litre plastic paint containers

These lids usually have a number of slots spaced round the lid. Place a strong screwdriver into one of these slots and slowly and very firmly prise the lid open.

Paint: not all the same shade

This is the result of not stirring the paint properly. Paint should be stirred thoroughly before use, especially strong and dark colours.

Paint: too thick to use

Emulsion/latex can be thinned by adding cold water. Oil-based paints can be thinned using White Spirit or Turpentine Substitute(also known as Sub Turps); if you are stuck you can use paraffin(which makes the paint slower to dry) ; you can even use petrol or lighter fluid(Extreme caution must be used when handling petrol as the fumes are highly explosive). Cellulose paints can only be satisfactorly thinned using special cellulose thinners.

A skin forms on the paint after the can has been opened

This is more likely to happen with gloss finish paints; before you reclose the can pour a very small amount(about a tablespoonful or less) of White spirit on the paint, just enough to cover the surface. This will prevent a skin forming for up to a week. For long periods you can also store the paint container upside down, first ensuring that the lid is tightly closed!

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