What are Paint Cans Made of – What Sizes Do They Come in?

Paint cans are generally made of steel, a durable and recyclable material.

The steel is usually coated with a layer of plastic or resin, which helps to prevent rusting and makes the can easier to clean.

The inside of the can is also lined with a protective coating, which keeps the paint from coming into contact with the metal.

This helps to prevent the paint from corroding the can and makes it easier to remove the paint when it’s time to clean up.

What Size Containers Does Paint Come in?

One of the most important things to know about standard paint can size and how to properly use them.

This includes understanding the amount of paint each size can hold as well as which projects they’re best suited for.

Let’s take a closer look at both of these topics to ensure you’re using the right size paint can for your next project.

1- One-gallon Paint Cans

One-gallon paint cans are the most popular size for home projects.

One gallon can of paint covers approximately 400 square feet, which is enough to cover a small room like a bathroom.

If you’re painting a larger area, like an entire living room or kitchen, you may need to purchase multiple one-gallon paint cans.

2- Quart-size Paint Cans

Quart-size paint cans are perfect for smaller projects like painting a door or trim.

One quart can of paint covers approximately 100 square feet. This is the second most popular size after one-gallon cans, and you should be able to find them at any hardware store.

3- Pint-size Paint Cans

Pint-size paint cans are the smallest size you’ll find on the market.

One pint can of paint covers approximately 50 square feet. And this size is perfect for touch-ups or very small projects.

You can find pint-size cans of paint at any paint shop or hardware store near you.

4- Five-gallon Paint Cans

Five-gallon paint cans are typically used for commercial projects or very large areas like a warehouse.

One five-gallon can of paint covers approximately 2,000 square feet.

You likely won’t find this size at your local hardware store and will need to purchase it from a professional paint supplier.

5- Ten-gallon Paint Cans

Ten-gallon paint cans are also used for commercial projects, but not as frequently as five-gallon cans.

One ten-gallon can of paint covers approximately 4,000 square feet.

Like the five-gallon size, you likely won’t find this can size at your local hardware store and will need to purchase it from a professional paint supplier.

What is Paint Can Lining? Different Types and Uses

As I mentioned before, paint can linings are a thin layer of material that is placed between the paint and the metal of the can.

This lining helps to prevent the paint from coming into contact with the metal, which could cause the paint to corrode the can or make it difficult to remove the paint when it’s time to clean up.

There are two main types of paint can linings:

1- Plastic Linings

Plastic linings are the most common type of lining used in paint cans. They’re typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a strong and durable material.

HDPE is also recyclable, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option.

2- Resin Linings

Resin linings are another type of lining that is used in paint cans. They’re made of a synthetic polymer material, which is strong and durable, like HDPE.

However, resin linings are not recyclable, so they’re not the best choice if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option.

Final Thoughts

No matter what brand or type of paint you choose, it’s important to know the standard paint can sizes so you can purchase the right amount of paint for your project.

One-gallon cans by companies like Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore are the most popular size for home projects, followed by quart-size cans and pint-size cans.

For larger projects, you may, however, need to purchase multiple five-gallon or ten-gallon cans of paint.

So, keep these standard paint can sizes in mind the next time you’re planning a painting project.