Every time you paint any area of your home, you’re left with leftover paint. It's also never advisable to dispose of this leftover paint because there are few safe ways! Therefore, you’ll need to store your paint cans away properly for future moments when you need to retouch or reconnect with a color scheme before changing the color. It’s also essential to know how to store paint properly to preserve its quality. Below you'll find the safest solutions to storing your paint for both long and short-term periods.
Paint Shelf Life
1. Unused water-based acrylic paint lasts up to ten years if stored properly. Water-based acrylics are what modern homes use for most interiors, such as walls, ceilings, and doors. Latex paints, commonly used for interior and exteriors, can last eight to ten years if sealed and stored correctly. Oil paint, reserved for canvas and art-like pieces, can last up to fifteen years if unopened!
2. Shelf life drastically decreases once the paint can is opened. Even if it isn’t used but is cracked open upon purchase, the oxidation immediately affects its shelf life. All water-based acrylics, latex paints, and oil-based paints should be used within two to three years before degrading in quality.
3. Some companies today are using plastic instead of metal paint cans. This can also negatively affect standard shelf life as natural evaporation occurs when the paint is stored in plastic. It’s best to use plastic-stored paint within two years of purchase.
When Paint Has Gone Bad
When paint loses quality, the first thing affected is its consistency. Each instance of paint degradation will have its own look, depending on how it was harmed. Typically, its texture will become stringy and ropey. The longer time goes on, the paint will turn into clumps and grit. If it’s left way too long, mold will eventually develop.
The Do-Not’s
1. Never store paint in the garage, whether it’s been used or not used. Leaving your paint cans in the garage is the most common mistake for paint storage. Many assume they can label paint with other building products and store it in the same place: paint is fine in a garage closet, right? WRONG. This location is detrimental to the paint's shelf life.
2. Never store your paint outside. The shelf life is undoubtedly affected by the changing climate outside. Depending on the layout of your home, it can also be a potential fire hazard. Many paints are incredibly flammable, and leaving paints outside can always be dangerous if children frequent the area.
3. Do not freeze your paint. It’s another common misconception that freezing paint in an outdoor or garage freezer will somehow maintain its condition. It does quite the opposite. Whether it’s been opened or not, freezing paint actually degrades its shelf life faster.
4. Do not store paint upside down. It makes it too hard to remove the lid later; it can also mess with the paint's condition. Besides, there’s zero logic for storing it upside down!
The Do’s
1. Always store your paint in a cool, dry location with little to zero sunlight. The correct range for storing paint should be between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (or 15-27 Celsius).
2. Place a plastic wrap over the paint can before sealing. After each use, you should use some sort of plastic cling wrap and cover the lid space entirely. Follow this by closing the lid tightly. This will lessen the risk of any possible oxidation after your lid reseal.
3. Rubber mallets are best when sealing your paint cans. Metal hammers can cause a chink or a bend in the metal. Any harm to the top of the can or lid will inhibit a firm seal. Rubber mallets are safer on metal and rarely harm the can’s condition.
4. A metal or steel paint can opener (or "key") remains necessary when opening your paint. It’s the most straightforward, affordable, and safest option. Although it’s easy, it doesn’t mean you should hurry up the process. Many will bend the metal when trying to force the can open.
Pro tip: While it is not advised, paint can opener alternatives include flathead screwdrivers, metal scrapers, or gentle use with a hammer and nail.
Paint Can Alternatives
If you cannot use a paint can again, an airtight plastic container will suffice. Though it’s not recommended, airtight plastic can still help maintain water-based paints' shelf life. The thickness of Tupperware works best, but even thin plastic water jugs can work. Just know that the shelf life will decrease, and you should use the paint within two to three months.
Short-Term Locations
1. Unused cupboards
This is your best option if you’ll be using the paint again soon. Cupboards usually have wooden shelves, which will not be affected by possible metal rusting.
2. Laundry room closet
If your laundry room is inside your house, its closet is excellent. Store it on a closet shelf or the floor with a spare cloth below each can.
Pro tip: Keep in mind that these short-term storage areas are more accessible to children. Ensure that the paint cans are out of reach and well away from any play area.
Long-Term Locations
1. The basement
If you have a basement in your home, this is your best option. As long as it receives the same airflow and temperature as the rest of your home, your paint will be safe and sound. Place your paint cans on any shelf that is safely away from any activity. If not, the floor will suffice, provided you have a way to keep your kids and pets away. If the floor is carpeted, put a thin cloth between the can and the carpet.
2. A utility closet
Save space in your utility closet for any unused or leftover paint. This space is protected from sunlight within the proper temperatures and is another area that members of your household don't often frequent. Find an upper shelf to line all of your paint cans. Otherwise, the floor can work.
You’ve now gained an understanding of how to store paint. Keep these guidelines in your pocket for the next time you’ve finished a paint job, or buy some new paint cans!