Slip A Trash Bag Over Your Toilet (This Is Genius)

Today, I'm going to show you 13 simple paint hacks that can save you time, reduce cleanup, and even make your paint last longer. Let's jump right in. Instead of wiping your brush on the rim of the can, stretch a large rubber band across the top. Now, you can wipe the brush right here. The excess paint falls back into the can, and your lid stays much cleaner. Does your paintbrush ever get gunked up? Run a comb through the bristles. It removes paint trapped deep inside and helps keep your brush in great shape for the next project. If you're painting indoors, add a teaspoon or two of vanilla extract to your paint. It won't change the color, and many people find it helps reduce that strong, fresh paint smell while you work. It even might smell like cookies while you roll the walls. New roller covers often have loose fuzz that ends up stuck in your paint. Just roll a strip of painter's tape around the roller a few times before you start, and it'll lift all that lint right off. If you're painting ceilings, slide an old umbrella into your extension pole underneath the roller. Use zip ties to hold it in place against the pole. It'll catch those annoying paint drips before they land on you or your floor. Painting a bathroom? Slip a large trash bag over the toilet tank and seat. It's much faster than taping everything off and helps keep paint splatters away. Before painting around hardware, apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to the hinges or knobs. If paint gets on them, it'll wipe off much more easily. Need a lunch break? Don't wash everything out. Seal your brush or roller inside a plastic bag to keep it from drying out while you're away. This will save your brush from hardening up for a nice one to two hour break. When you're finished painting a wall, write the paint brand, color, and sheen on the back of a light switch or outlet cover. Also, use your finger to apply a small drop to the back of the switch cover. Years from now, you'll know exactly what paint was used for those touch-up or repairs. Pour a little leftover paint into a small, airtight jar for future touch-ups. It's much easier than opening a full gallon every time you need a tiny repair. Do you hate when the lid gets stuck to the paint can after use? Take a nail and hammer to make a few small holes around the inner rim of the paint can. That lets excess paint drain back into the can instead of collecting in the groove where the lid seals. Before putting the lid back on, place a small piece of plastic wrap over the opening. Then tap the lid into place. It can help keep your leftover paint fresher for longer. Take a Pringles can—several-layer dip flavor is the best, just kidding—and pour out the chips. And then you have the perfect storage container for your roller. It will keep the roller from getting smashed and also gives you the perfect painting snack while you're at work.