After most painting jobs there is always some paint leftover and we will probably want to keep it. Knowing how to store paint properly is important for preserving its quality and extending its shelf life. Learning the ideal storage conditions can ensure your paint cans remain usable for future touch ups, additional coats, and other projects.
In this article, we will provide key tips on how to store leftover paint so it stays in optimal condition. We will cover the best places to store opened and unopened cans, ideal temperature range, positioning cans, monitoring lids, and signs your paint may be expiring. Proper storage allows most high quality latex and oil-based paints to remain usable for 2-5 years.
By following these simple guidelines on how to store paint after opening and between uses, you can save money by reducing waste from paint drying out or lids not sealing correctly. Use these recommendations on temperature control, moisture avoidance, and containment to learn how to maximize the life of your leftover paint.
Where to Store Paint Cans?
Choosing the right storage location helps maintain paint quality and extend shelf life.
The best places to store paint cans include:
- Basement or interior closet – The most ideal spots are interior rooms with consistent, moderate temperatures around 50-75°F (10-24°C). Avoid places with temperature fluctuations.
- Dry area – Ensure the storage area is dry. Moisture can corrode metal cans and affect paint quality.
- Up off the floor – Place cans on shelves or stacked on a pallet to prevent direct contact with concrete and moisture wicking.
- Away from windows – Direct sunlight can prematurely age and degrade paint over time. Keep cans out of sun exposure.
Paint should be avoided being stored in the following locations:
- Garage – Garages often experience temperature swings from very hot to very cold which can negatively affect paint.
- Outside shed – External sheds see a lot of moisture, humidity, and temperature fluctuations between seasons. Avoid exterior storage.
- Near heat/AC vents – Areas with forced heating or cooling can experience shifts in temperature that ruin paint.
- Attic/loft – Extreme heat in attics can cause paint to skin over, dry out, or become unusable.
- Freezing temps – Paint should never be stored where temps dip below freezing, which can cause the paint to gel or make application difficult.
Top 8 Tips for Storing Paint
- Store cans upside down – This creates an airtight seal to prevent drying out and skin forming on the paint surface.
- Transfer partial cans to smaller containers – Pouring leftovers into airtight containers minimizes air exposure which can degrade paint over time.
- Put plastic wrap under lids – Adding a layer of plastic wrap below the lid seals out air contact which causes paint to dry up.
- Use desiccant packets – Desiccant packets absorb moisture from the air to keep stored paint extra dry and usable for longer.
- Write the date opened on the can – Tracking the date you first opened the paint can allows you to monitor how long it has been stored.
- Inspect paint before using – Before using paint that’s been stored for a while, check that it hasn’t dried out, separated or spoiled.
- Stir thoroughly before using – Mixing paint after storage redistributes any pigment or ingredients that may have settled.
- Dispose of properly when expired – Once paint is dried out and unusable, follow local hazardous waste rules for safe disposal.
How to dispose of paint?
If you have leftover paint that you won’t use, proper disposal is important. Here are some tips for how to dispose of old paint safely and responsibly.
Disposing of leftover paint properly is important for safety and the environment. Here are some tips on paint disposal:
- Allow liquid paint to dry out completely before disposal. Remove the lid and let cans sit open in a well-ventilated area until the paint is hardened. This could take weeks or months.
- Never dump liquid paint down the drain or trash. It can clog pipes and seep into groundwater. Dried out paint is safe for regular trash.
- Check if your local waste management offers hazardous household waste collection for paint and other chemicals. Many communities collect old paint cans a few times per year.
- If no hazardous waste event is available, you can take completely dried and hardened latex paint to your regular landfill. Oil-based paint may need to go to a special facility.
- Consider donating any unused quality paint to community organizations like theatre groups or non-profits instead of disposing.
- Use up as much of the paint as possible. Fully empty and scrape cans to minimize waste.
- Be sure to take safety precautions when handling paint waste like ventilation, gloves, and goggles.
Following these responsible paint disposal methods protects homes, communities, and the environment. Check local regulations for additional guidance on proper paint can disposal.
FAQ’s
How long do unopened paint cans last?
Unopened cans of quality latex and oil-based paint can often last 5-10 years when stored properly in a climate controlled environment. Avoiding temperature extremes and direct sun exposure extends shelf life.
What is the best way to store paint?
The ideal storage is in a climate controlled interior room at 50-75°F (10-24°C). Keep cans sealed tight, store upside down, use smaller containers for leftovers, and avoid temperature fluctuations.
How do you keep paint from drying out in a can?
Storing paint cans upside down creates an airtight seal. Add plastic wrap under the lid, use airtight containers for partial cans, and include desiccant packets to absorb moisture. Avoid direct sun exposure.
What’s the ideal temperature for storing paint?
The recommended temperature is 50-75°F (10-24°C). Avoid freezing temps below 32°F (0°C) and fluctuations in hot garages or attics. Store paint in interior closets or basements.
What container can I use to store paint?
Good containers for leftovers are sealed metal paint cans, glass jars, or plastic jugs made for paint storage. Avoid non-airtight containers. Fill with paint to the very top.
So in summary, keep opened latex and oil-based paints stored in air-tight containers, away from extreme temps and moisture, and use within 2-5 years for best results. Improperly stored paint may not last as long before drying out or becoming unusable.