Save Your Old Paint

Bob Simpson from Cottage City, MD, writes:

As a painting contractor, I use a lot of paint in 5-gal. buckets. Bits of joint compound and debris from the job site inevitably find their way into the paint, so I strain my paints each day before applying them. I could buy strainers, but I prefer to make my own. Using an old plastic paint bucket with a lid, I lay some window screen across the open bucket top and push it downward with my fist to form the strainer. Next, I cut a big hole in the lid, leaving just the lock ring. Then I snap on the lock ring, and cut the assembled strainer away from the bucket. Presto! I've got a strainer that perfectly fits 5-gal. buckets.