: A common point of discussion is the short's second half. After Susie unravels Donald's hat, his anger reaches an unusually intense peak, leading him to grab an axe with seemingly lethal intent. Some modern reviewers find this turn slightly jarring for a comedic short, though it serves to heighten the emotional impact of the ending.

: The short is noted for its redeeming finale. Upon seeing Susie's crying hatchlings in the tree he is about to chop down, Donald's rage immediately vanishes. This display of "inherent compassion and humanity" is often cited as the highlight of the short, providing a sweet contrast to his usual temper.

Witness the escalating chaos of Donald's ill-fated paint job in this clip from the short:

Critics and fans generally view "Wet Paint" as a solid, though perhaps not groundbreaking, example of Donald's mid-40s era.