How To Pour Paint From A 5 Gallon Bucket (Step-By-Step)

A 5-gallon paint bucket is sizable in its presence. This means it has to be handled with care and you cannot move it around without having a plan in mind.

This becomes increasingly important when you are learning how to get paint out of the 5-gallon bucket.

To do this the right way, start by learning how to pour paint from a 5-gallon bucket.

To pour paint from a 5-gallon bucket, start by tapping its spout with a hammer. Once done, turn the spout counterclockwise to open it. Gently pour the paint into a smaller bucket, pull it up as the paint begins to finish, and then use a finger or paintbrush to remove the dripping paint that’s leftover.

This is the best way to pour paint from a 5-gallon bucket without making a mess.

Due to the size of a 5-gallon paint bucket, you are going to be apprehensive about the process. You might not know what to do or how to make sure the paint comes out without leaving a huge mess on the ground.

By following the steps here, you are going to be well on your way to getting the paint out of a 5-gallon bucket as soon as you want to.

This guide is going to further break down how to pour paint from a 5-gallon bucket.

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Steps On How To Pour Paint From A 5 Gallon Bucket

1. Set Paint Bucket On The Ground

Before doing anything else, you will want to stabilize the paint bucket.

How are you going to do this?

You never want to put the paint bucket on an unstable surface. This is either going to cause it to tip over or will make it difficult to open as required.

The best option is to set the paint bucket on the ground and make sure you are opening it with a high level of care.

how to pour paint from a 5 gallon bucket

2. Tap The Spout Using A Hammer

Now, you are going to begin tapping the spout on the 5-gallon bucket.

If there is no spout, you are more than welcome to skip this step. The goal is to have the top of the paint bucket removed, so you have full access to the paint.

This will make it a lot easier to pour out the paint without leaving a mess behind. Using the pour spout for a 5-gallon paint bucket is useful if it’s unblocked.

If it is not, you will want to remove it.

This is where the hammer comes in handy.

3. Place Smaller Paint Bucket Nearby

You are now going to place a smaller paint bucket on the ground nearby.

Make sure it is in a spot that is clean and is not going to impede the process when it’s time to tip over the 5-gallon paint bucket.

You should also place a sheet or something to protect the floor.

This will ensure anything spills are not going to leave a mark on the floor. This can be done with something as simple as a bedsheet or even cardboard depending on what is available nearby.

Once the paint bucket is set up, it’s time to get started on the process.

how to pour paint from a 5 gallon bucket

4. Pour Paint Into Smaller Bucket

You are going to take the 5-gallon paint bucket and gently tip it over.

This will allow the paint to flow into the smaller paint bucket.

In the beginning, the paint is going to come out cleanly. This is similar to pouring a glass of water into another glass.

However, as the paint starts to run out, you will become worried about paint dripping down the side of the paint bucket.

This is a common concern.

This is why you first want to empty the 5-gallon paint bucket to the 25% mark.

Once you do this, you are going to wipe the side of the paint bucket with your finger and do it again to empty the rest.

5. Wipe Dripping Paint With Finger Or Paintbrush

As soon as the last of the paint has come out, you are going to notice a little bit of a “dribble” coming down the side of the paint bucket.

This is normal due to how thick the paint is and the way it flows out of the 5-gallon paint bucket.

Your goal here is to take your finger and wipe the side of the paint bucket with it. Go all the way around the bucket’s top.

You are also going to have to use a paintbrush to stop the dribble.

Final Thoughts

These are the main steps on how to pour paint from a 5-gallon bucket.

To pour paint from a 5-gallon bucket, start by placing it on a solid surface and opening the spout by tapping it with a hammer. If there is no spout, set a small bucket on the ground with a sheet underneath, tip the 5-gallon bucket over, and let the paint flow into the smaller bucket. When nearing the finish, wipe the edge of the 5-gallon bucket with your finger or a paintbrush to stop the dripping.

This is a process that should not take long and it’s always best to protect the floor with cardboard, plastic, or anything that will ensure it does not become messy.

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