How to Strain Paint (3 Easy Ways)

Learn how to strain paint, why you should, and what could happen if you don’t. Plus, easy ways to strain paint using stuff you may already have!

How to Strain Paint

It’s important to strain paint to remove debris before brushing, rolling, or spraying. Learn three easy ways to strain paint, including a few ideas using stuff that you may already have on hand.

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What Does it Mean to Strain Paint?

Straining paint means removing debris like dust and dirt; and lumps, chunks, and clumps of dried paint. The paint is poured through a filter or strainer into a clean container. The strainer collects the debris. The paint in the clean container is smooth, debris-free, and ready to be brushed, rolled, or sprayed.

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Why Should You Strain Paint?

Have you ever needed to touch-up on a paint project? It never fails. When you reopen the paint can, dried paint chunks fall from the lid and rim into the paint. 

Those chunks will end up in your brush or roller. Then those paint chunks are transferred to whatever project you’re painting. A lumpy, bumpy paint job doesn’t look professional.

Related: Best Way to Clean Paint Brushes

Or worse yet, those dried paint chunks can clog your paint sprayer. Then you’ll have to stop, clean your sprayer, and start again.

Related: 7 Ways to Prevent Orange Peel Texture When Using a Paint Sprayer

Taking the extra time to strain your paint will make your project look more professional. And avoid the hassle of stopping to clean your sprayer.

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Should You Strain New Paint?

I have read that brand-new paint should be strained. I thought it was a ridiculous waste of time. It’s new paint. How could it have any debris in it?

As an experiment, I decided to try straining a can of new paint. After I strained the new paint, I found clumps at the bottom of the strainer. Now I’m a believer.

So yes, new paint should be strained too.

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What Can I Strain Paint Through?

• Stockings, Panty Hose, Tights, etc.
• Wire Mesh (Window Screen)
• Cone Filter (also called a Paint Strainer or Paint Sieve)

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Paint Strainer Comparison Chart

	Stockings	Wire Mesh	Cone Filter
Cost	Inexpensive or Free	Inexpensive or Free	About 20￠/filter
Additional Equipment	No	No	Yes, Strainer Holder
Can Be Reused	Yes, with Latex Paints	Yes, with Latex and Oil	No

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Step 1. Prepare the Area

Place a drop cloth on your worksurface to protect the surrounding area from any drips or spills.

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Step 2. Prepare the Stockings

Stretch the stockings around the opening of the container. 

💡 TIP: You can use new or used stockings. The dollar store is a great place to buy inexpensive stockings. If the stockings are used, make sure they don’t have any holes or runs.

Make a fist and gently push the pantyhose down into the container. Be careful not to tear the material.

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Step 3. Pour the Paint

Open the paint container and stir the paint. Then, slowly pour the paint into the stockings.

Don’t overfill the stockings and allow some time for the paint to drain into the container.

Remove the stockings. If you strained a water-based paint like latex paint, you can rinse the stockings and reuse them again.

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Step 1. Prepare the Area

Place a drop cloth on your worksurface to protect the surrounding area from any drips or spills.

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Step 2. Prepare the Wire Mesh

Position the wire mesh or window screen over a clean container or bucket. Then, gently press down in the middle of the screen.

💡 TIP: Fiberglass screen also works but it should be attached to the container so that it doesn’t fall into the container while pouring the paint.

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Step 3. Pour the Paint

Open the paint container and stir the paint. Then, slowly pour the paint into the screen.

Don’t overfill the screen and allow some time for the paint to drain into the container.

Remove the screen, and clean it so that it can be reused. Use water for latex paints and use mineral spirits for oil-based paints.

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Step 1. Prepare the Area

Place a drop cloth on your worksurface to protect the surrounding area from any drips or spills.

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Step 2. Prepare the Strainer Holder

Position the strainer holder over a clean container or bucket. Then, place a clean cone filter (also known as a paint sieve) in the holder.

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Step 3. Pour the Paint

Open the paint container and stir the paint. Then, slowly pour the paint into the filter. 

Don’t overfill the filter and allow the paint to drain into the container.

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Final Thoughts

It’s important to strain paint to remove debris before brushing, rolling, and spraying. It’s easy ways to do with stockings, wire mesh or a cone filter.

Thank you for stopping by. If you enjoyed this tutorial, would you please take a moment and pin it to Pinterest? I’d really appreciate it!

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