Paint Storage
Keep these tips in mind when you’re storing paint.
Sealing Paint Cans
Seal the paint can properly before you put it away to keep the paint from drying up. If any paint has gotten in the grooves of the paint can, wipe it with a clean rag. Use a rubber mallet to tap the lid down securely. Don’t use a hammer because it can dent the lid, making it more difficult to securely seal the can. If you don’t have a mallet, you can cover the can with a piece of wood and then hammer the lid closed.
Choosing Where to Store Paint
Store paint in a cool, dark location, like a basement. If you do store it in the basement, make sure that it’s on a shelf. Moisture from basement floors can rust your paint cans. If you don’t have a basement, place cans in a cabinet or closet in your house. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can ruin paint. Cold weather can cause latex paint to separate, making it unusable. Heat, on the other hand, can dry it out. The combination of very hot temperatures and oil-based paint can even trigger a fire.
Can I Store Paint in the Garage?
Storing paint in the garage is generally not a good idea, especially if you live in a location with extreme weather conditions. When paint goes through repeated cycles of freezing and thawing, it can become lumpy. If this happens, it’s best to simply find where to dispose of the paint and replace it with fresh.
Staying Organized
If you have cans that are half full or almost empty, transfer the remaining paint into quart cans or large jars. Use labels and a marker to list the brand, paint name, date of purchase, mixture number and the room you painted. Place a small dollop of paint on the top or side of the can so you can easily identify the color. If you have more than one color for a room, such as wall color and trim, keep them together. If you’re feeling especially organized, you can also use a label maker and mark each room on the shelf front. You can dispose of old paint cans of latex paint in your regular trash. Oil-based paints should go to a household hazardous waste collection site.
Reopening Paint Cans
Opening a paint can after it’s been sealed for a long time can be difficult. Avoid using a screwdriver to open it. The lid can become warped, and it’ll be difficult to seal in the future. Use a key that’s specially designed for opening paint cans. Lowe’s will give you one with your paint purchase. If you open your paint and find it is unusable, please use a proper means of paint disposal.
Shelf Life
Latex or water-based paint typically has an unopened shelf life of 10 years. Solvent or oil-based paint can last up to 15 years unopened. You can test the paint to see if it’s still good by doing the following:
Latex Paint
First, smell it. If it smells rancid, it’s gone bad. Second, check to see if the paint is separated. There will usually be a thin skin on top with a layer of liquid underneath. Remove the skin and use a paint stick to stir the paint. Make sure that the paint isn’t hard on the bottom or the sides. If the paint blends together smoothly and appears to be the original color, then it's fine to use. If you’re still unsure, brush some of the paint onto a piece of newspaper. If the paint comes out rough and lumpy, you’ll need to dispose of it.
Oil-Based Paint
If the paint hasn’t been exposed to extreme temperatures and was sealed properly, then it typically isn’t as susceptible as latex is to going bad. Just remove the layer of film across the top and stir it well before painting.
Lifespan & Durability
Generally, an open can of paint can last anywhere from two to five years. If you store it carefully, your open can of paint could last longer than that. Both opened and unopened latex paints have a shorter life-span than oil-based paint. A can of oil-based acrylic paint that’s been properly resealed can potentially last up to 10 years in storage. However, it’s important to note that oil-based acrylic paint can dry out quickly if the can isn’t completely resealed. As it dries, this type of paint releases flammable fumes into the air that can become a fire hazard. Exercise extreme caution when resealing and storing this type of paint. If you find your oil-based acrylic paint is unusable, follow the household hazardous waste guidelines for old paint disposal.
How to Properly Dispose of Paint
Paint can be toxic and dangerous to the environment if it’s not disposed of properly. It’s important to know how to throw paint away safely. Follow the general steps listed below, for disposing of latex and oil-based paint that you no longer need, but be aware that different areas may have different requirements and restrictions. Follow the paint-disposal procedures in your area on how to dispose of paint.
How to Dispose of Latex Paint
Here’s how to dispose of latex paint without taking it to a recycling center.
Step 1: Combine It With Cat Litter
Mix an equal amount of cat litter into the latex paint in the can. If you have more than half a can, you can also pour the paint into a lined box or trash can. Then pour in the cat litter.
Step 2: Allow the Mixture to Set
Stir the cat litter into the paint until it thickens and won’t spill. Allow the mixture to sit for one hour.
Step 3: Throw It in the Garbage
Throw the dried paint in the can into the garbage. Be sure to remove the lid from the can.
If you don’t have much paint left in the can, just remove the lid and let the paint dry out on its own. Make sure that it’s in a location where small children or pets can’t get to it.
There are also commercial paint hardeners that you can purchase if you prefer not to use cat litter. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to Dispose of Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint is considered hazardous waste and must be taken to an appropriate disposal or drop-off center. Check with your local officials for information and instructions about where to dispose of the paint safely.
If you’re wondering how to dispose of paint, paint recycling is an excellent option. Consider donating your paint to a community center, charity, place of worship, local theater or Habitat for Humanity ReStore. These organizations are working on projects with a limited budget and could use the extra supplies. Having old paint recycled will also keep waste down.
