10 Uses for Paint Cans

There are many clever ideas for these metal pails, whether you've got an emptied leftover* or a pristine home-center buy.

*When cleaning out latex paint cans for reuse, follow municipal guidelines for disposing of paint responsibly.

The handle makes it easy to pour when patching small holes.

Snip off the handle of a large can with wire cutters; remove the bottom with a can opener. Drill small holes in the metal sides, following any design you like, then paint. Cut a disk out of hardware cloth to fit snugly inside the can; cut a smaller circle, large enough to fit a lamp socket without a harp, out of the disk's center. Fit the disk inside the can. Rest the shade on the socket.

Place adhesive-backed magnets on the bottoms of small paint cans (use a hot-glue gun for extra hold). Attach to an inexpensive magnetized knife strip on the wall.

Cut a circular hole in the lid of a large paint can, and file any sharp edges. Stash a roll of garbage bags in the can, pulling the free end through the hole.

Remove the tops and bottoms of quart-size cans with a can opener. Connect several cans laid side by side using heavy-duty glue or epoxy adhesive. Stack more cans on top of them in an artful way and glue in place. Use clothespins or binder clips to secure them until the glue dries.

Remove the lid and tie sturdy twine around the middle of the can to hang sideways. Glue a 4-inch section of a 3/16-inch wood dowel to the bottom lip of the can to form a perch. Add birdseed and hang.

Fill a large paint can with sand or gravel, and stick a garden torch in the middle.

Lay a row of large paint cans side by side on a shelf in the garage to store booklets.

To make decorative luminaries, drill holes in pint-size cans, making a pattern. Place a votive candle in each can.

Drill three drainage holes in the bottom of a large can (handle removed) and three in the sides near the top to thread with sash chain. Add potting soil, then plant petunias or other similar draping plants.