How to Store Paint

Taking the DIY route and tackling a painting project yourself can be fun and save you lots of money, but if you're left with several gallons of leftover paint, storing it correctly is key. Learn how to store paint properly so that it can be used for touch-ups and other future projects.

Now that you're done painting, keep reading to find out how long paint lasts for, what types of containers to use, where to store it for best results, and how to dispose of paint safely and responsibly.

What Type of Container to Store Leftover Paint In

If the original paint can is in good shape, then keep the leftover paint inside it. Wipe off any excess paint on the rim and sides, position the can lid in place, and then use a rubber mallet to create an airtight seal all the way around.

Always reseal a paint can as quickly as possible to prevent the paint from drying out and the color from changing due to too much light exposure. For smaller amounts of paint that aren't worth storing in a gallon can save shelf space and transfer the leftover paint into a small container such as a glass mason jar or an airtight food storage container. Use a funnel for a mess-free transfer and check that the container lid creates a tight seal to preserve freshness.

To avoid confusion and save yourself any future hassle, make sure that you label all leftover paint. Stick a waterproof label directly onto the paint container or write on the paint can using a permanent marker to ensure the information doesn't fade or wash off. Here's what you should include on each label.

• The name of the paint color and paint company
• The finish (ie. eggshell, flat)
• What room you used the paint in
• The date when the paint can was originally opened

This will save you lots of time in the future and make any touch-ups much easier.

Where to Store Leftover Paint

As a general rule of thumb, store paint in a space that's between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to protect its consistency and quality. Keep it in a cool, dry place that's out of direct sunlight, such as a utility closet or a closed cabinet.

While you can store leftover paint in a garage, make sure you consider the climate where you live and whether you can control the temperature to prevent it from dipping below or exceeding the recommended conditions.

Full paint cans are heavy, so to avoid any potential accidents and spills, store them on a heavy-duty industrial shelving unit, low shelves, or directly on the ground. Smaller and lighter paint containers can be stored on higher shelves.

To maintain an organized space, avoid accidental re-purchases, and make future projects easier, group all leftover paint supplies together. As a safety precaution, make sure to store paint out of reach of children and pets.

How Long Does Paint Last

Most paint companies state that paint has a two-year shelf life once opened, provided that it is stored correctly. Using paint past its prime run the risk of filling your home with a foul lingering odor. You can also potentially damage your painting tools and mess up the surface that you are painting. There are two main giveaways when it comes to knowing when the paint is no longer usable.

The first is the smell; as soon as you open a can of paint and are hit with a strong sour smell, you know it's time to get rid of it. The second factor to determine whether leftover paint can be used is its texture. After opening the can or storage container, get a stirrer and stir the paint for a couple of seconds, making sure that you're getting to the bottom and sides of the can for a full stir. If the paint is usable, it will regain its color and smooth, creamy consistency. However, even after stirring it, the paint is chunky and doesn't have a smooth texture, it's no longer usable. If used, it could give your surfaces an uneven finish with leftover streaks and paint chunks.

Even if the leftover paint isn't past the two-year mark yet, if it has an unpleasant odor and an uneven consistency, chances are that it was not stored properly and needs to be disposed of safely.

How to Dispose of Paint

For leftover paint that is no longer usable, make sure you dispose of it safely and according to your local guidelines. Check your town's regulations when it comes to disposing of or recycling paint cans safely and responsibly. If you do have several leftover cans that are full and you have no future use for them, consider donating them.

Additionally, there is a difference when it comes to disposing of latex and oil paints, so check paint can labels carefully to avoid an incorrect and potentially harmful disposal method. Most areas will allow you to discard latex paint with regular trash, provided that it's not in liquid form. This means that it needs to be dried or hardened. Pour leftover paint onto a piece of cardboard or other disposable surface and let it fully air-dry, then throw it out.

If there is a minimal amount of paint left over in a can, leave it in there, take the can lid off, and let the paint fully dry before discarding it according to your town's regulations. If you have a considerable amount of leftover paint that you can't dry out and don't want to save, a good disposal method is to purchase a paint hardener at a hardware store. It's an inexpensive powder formula that can be added to liquid paint to harden it for easy and safe disposal.

When it comes to leftover oil-based paint, regular trash is not an option as it's considered a hazardous material that can cause contamination. Check your town's directions for disposing of oil paint safely; some places have a drop-off site for hazardous waste while others have specific collection days to pick up these materials.

Avoid Excessive Amounts of Leftover Paint

To avoid having an excessive amount of paint leftover and run the risk of wasting the paint—and your money—the key is calculating how much paint you anticipate you will need before you start your project.

Most large paint retailers have a paint calculator on their website and in their stores that allows you to figure out exactly how much paint you need to purchase. While it's important to buy a little extra paint to account for touch-ups and multiple coats, measuring your space and calculating the correct amount of paint needed is key to avoiding being left with way too much extra paint.