How To Store Leftover Paint
Painting the house and giving it a new look is something that most people do after a few years. A new shade of paint transforms the home’s looks and gives it a warm and welcoming feel. When the work is done, there might be some leftover paints, so homeowners should know how long they can store them.
Paints have become expensive these days, so knowing how much is needed when doing painting projects is essential. It is expected to find leftover paints in containers after most interior or exterior house painting projects are done. Some homeowners know how to store them, while others have no idea where to place them.
Painters should always inform their clients how to keep the leftover paint. However, some homeowners fail to follow the instructions, leading to paint drying up and being unable to be used for future projects. If the paint is not stored correctly, it will deteriorate and no longer fit to be used on any surface.
Some signs the paint has gone wrong are when the lid bulges and a rubber-like film forms over the paint’s surface. This is why knowing the right way of storing leftover paint is crucial.
Here are some tips to ensure your leftover paints are adequately stored and remain fresh for a long time.
1. Store your leftover paints at room temperature
The most important thing to remember when storing leftover paint is to keep it in a place at room temperature. If the paint is exposed to very high or very low temperatures, it will quickly become ruined.
2. Store in a dry place
The best way to keep paint fresh for a long time is to keep the cans off the ground on shelves so the rusting of metal does not ruin the ground surface. It also ensures your wooden or tiled surface remains safe from accidental spills.
3. Replace the lid in a secure manner
The paint becomes dry when it comes in contact with air. This is why you need to clean the rim of the can to remove the residue paint and replace the lid securely.
4. Repackage your leftover paints
If the can has very little paint left inside, pouring it into a small container and storing it for future use is better. A small quantity of paint can be ruined because it comes in contact with air.
Those are some of the tips on how to store leftover paint correctly. If it is kept properly, it remains fresh for 4-5 years and is ready for use.
Give The Picky Painters A Call
If you are in the Cleveland market and looking for a painting company that knows how to keep leftover paints properly, reach out to The Picky Painters. Call us at (216) 403-2545 or send us an email at joe@thepickypainters.com.
We can give you a fast estimate. We need to ask a few questions from you, such as pictures of the area you want to get painted. This way, we could give you the pricing, and you’ll know how much the project may cost.
Here are some of our past projects:
FAQ
q1: Why shouldn’t I just leave leftover paint in the can it came in?
a1: Paint cans often don’t seal tightly after being opened, which lets air in and causes the paint to dry out or form a skin. Transferring leftovers into smaller, airtight containers helps preserve the quality much longer.
q2: How can I make leftover paint easier to reuse later?
a2: Always label the container with the paint color, finish, and where you used it. This way, you’ll know exactly what wall or surface it matches when touch-ups are needed. Stir before sealing to keep pigments blended.
q3: What’s a smart place to store leftover paint?
a3: Keep containers in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight or freezing temperatures. Basements or closets work better than garages, where extreme shifts in temperature can ruin the paint.
