The Budget-Friendly Hack Joanna Gaines Uses To Avoid A Mess When Painting

Painting is one of those household projects that almost always inspires a love-hate relationship. We love picking colors and seeing how the final result revitalizes a space. The painting process, though, can be messy, labor-intensive, and something most of us would like to get through as fast as possible. And when we need some smart tricks to do that, it's often wisest to turn to the experts. Nowadays, you can find some of the best painting tips from HGTV stars and designers, including modern farmhouse savant Joanna Gaines. You may already know Joanna Gaines' painting trick to give your space depth and dimension, but the creative mind behind Magnolia Homes can also teach you to simplify a painting project by keeping the can mess-free with only a rubber band!

Gaines knows the struggle of wasted paint dripping down the can and filling the rim as you wipe excess from your brush. As paint accumulates and dries on the rim, you'll quickly run into trouble putting on and removing the lid. While that can equal a ton of aggravation, it only takes a rubber band wrapped around the can and spanning its opening to keep things tidy, preserving every last drop of paint. In a video for KILZ via YouTube, Gaines explains, "Instead of wiping it around the edges, you wipe the excess paint on the rubber band." The paint drips back into the can, and the edge stays pristine, helping you avoid the headache when it's time to clean up.

Joanna Gaines has a way of making gorgeous updates seem effortless, with small tricks like this paint hack contributing to that success. Stretch a rubber band (or a hair tie) around the open paint can so that a tight line runs across the center of the opening. Choose a sturdy rubber band that isn't too thin, as these may be more prone to snapping. While the rubber band hack is a smart painting tip to make life easier, it can also make life miserable if the band breaks and flings paint across your walls, floor, and furniture.

When using the rubber band hack, you only need to dip about a third of the brush's bristles into the can. Gently wipe both sides of the brush across the band. Go slowly to prevent the band from breaking or shooting paint over the can. When you're done, carefully remove the band from the top to control the paint and prevent it from springing and splattering everywhere. Do it right, and the can rim should be clean and clear, meaning you've gotten the best bang for your buck by not wasting a single drop of paint.