Tips to avoid getting bits in paint

[Rupster]

I redecorated our hallway this weekend, and I had terrible trouble when applying the paint on to the walls using a roller. The paint had lots of bits in it. I've painted many times before, but never had it this bad! I'm pretty sure the bits were dried paint from the lid and edges on the paint pot. Whenever I open a tin of paint, bits of dried paint seem to flick off into the paint, and then when I pour the paint out of the pot into a tray, it seems to bring a whole load of more bits with it!

Can anyone recommend a way to avoid this? Should I maybe stop removing excess paint from my brush on to the inside edge of the pot, or maybe clean the lid after I finish painting?

Thanks.

No ideas on prevention but you can strain the paint through old tights.

Thanks.

User a separate container to actually paint from, just open the pot, pour a bit out and wipe the edge then close it again.
Yes you can also strain the paint if necessary.

I've had this with a Dulux pot - drove me nuts! It was white too so not very noticeable until you put a light on near the wall and then it was like the wall was woodchipped!

I had to sand back the worst bit and then re-paint the wall, while picking out the bits as I went. (Wish I'd read the tights tip before I did that!)

You're right though - it comes from the dried paint around the edge of the tin. When you re-open it, it flakes off and drops in to the paint. Next time I'd do what @johnd2 has suggested and pour it in to a separate container first and keep the original as clean as possible.

This never used to happen when paint tins were made of metal, I'm sure!

Thanks for your replies.

Tie a piece of thick string from one side of the pot to the other - using each side of the handle as anchor points. Use the string to wipe the brush.

I’ve also used a section of doweling rod instead of string.

No drips on the side of the tin.

Was the roller new? I think it sometimes comes off a seemingly clean roller.

I never pour from just the paint tin, either use a paint spout or large serving spoon to put into the paint tray and clean after you pour (paint tray I line with clung film so fold that up and dispose of when I’m done painting). This way you never get dried bits in your paint.

This is an example of a paint spout
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pourit-Paint-Pourer-Spout-FLEXIBLE-fit-500mls-1L-2L-4L-6L-Can-Tin-KBS-NO-Spill-/272945293501

I used a previously-used roller, but I gave it a good brush beforehand to remove any bits.

I usually pour the paint into another receptacle before using it.

From your answers, it seems avoiding/removing paint on the rim and lid is the way forward in future.

Dulux trade paint comes in tins. The plastic lids never seal properly and the paint dries. That’s one reason why I buy the trade paint. Also it’s better quality.