How Long Can You Store & Use Old Paint? 

Have you ever thought about using that paint you stored a few years ago to make a few touch-ups on scuff marks and scratches on your wall’s surface? Or perhaps you love the color you chose for the guest room and want to use it in another location in your home. Can you use the paint you saved from past projects for this one? 

The answer is not a simple one but there are some guidelines we suggest you go by when deciding how long you can store and then use old paint. Let’s explore this a little further since so many customers ask for our input on this common question. 

How Long Does Paint Stay Fresh? 

Most paint professionals would reply to this question with an unsatisfactory reply of “it depends.” Paint that is stored properly lasts longer than paint that was not stored properly. Oil-based paint can last longer than latex and water-based paints. 

Most professionals believe that water-based and latex-based paints could last for up to 10 years whereas oil-based paints could be good for 15 years! 

In general, the paint you used for a previous project should last years, as long as it is properly covered and stored. That means you will be able to use your leftover paint for touch-ups for years after the initial paint project is completed. 

What Is Proper Storage? 

So, you probably noticed our caveat that paint lasts longer if stored properly. What exactly does that mean for the typical homeowner trying to make their paints last for years to come?

Paint should be securely covered before storing them so that the air does not get to the paint. That means hammering down the paint cover before storing it away. Air is not the friend of paint as evaporation and clumping will occur when exposed. 

Storage should be in a location that does not see a huge fluctuation in temperatures as well. In other words, don’t store it in a shed or unheated garage. Instead, choose a clean, dry spot that remains between 50-90 degrees year-round. This may be your basement or a storage closet. 

Signs Your Paint Is Too Old 

As you crack open your stored paint, you should be alert to indicators that your paint may be a little too old or expired to use. 

One of the biggest signs that your paint is past its prime is that it is clumpy and sour-smelling when the cover is removed. Most paint will need a rigorous stirring to get rid of clumps, but very old paint will be overly clumpy and malodorous. You may smell a sour or rancid smell that is a strong indicator not to use the paint and to invest in a new can. 

When there is a small amount of paint in a can that you hope to use for minor touch-ups be sure that it is not too dry and that the color matches. The water may have evaporated out especially if not stored properly. 

For more tips and tricks on getting the most out of your paint visit our site and continue coming back for our blog articles on Jerry Enos Painting. 

Categorised in: How-Tos, Interior painting, Jerry Enos