Painting a room can be an exciting way to refresh your home, but what do you do with leftover paint? Instead of tossing it, storing paint correctly allows you to reuse it for touch-ups, future projects, or even giving an old piece of furniture a new life. However, improper storage can cause paint to dry out, separate, or spoil. Let’s dive into some essential tips for storing paint so it’s still usable when you need it next.
Seal the Lid Properly
Ensuring that the paint lid is sealed tightly is crucial to keeping air out and preventing the paint from drying. After you’ve finished painting, wipe the rim of the can with a damp cloth to remove any excess paint. Then, place the lid back on and use a rubber mallet to gently tap around the edges of the lid to ensure a secure fit. Avoid using a regular hammer, as it can damage the lid and make it difficult to create a proper seal.
Store Paint in a Cool, Dry Place
Paint should be stored in a place where temperatures are stable and humidity is low. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the paint to spoil, separate, or become unusable. Avoid storing paint in garages or sheds where it’s exposed to freezing cold in the winter and extreme heat in the summer. Instead, opt for indoor storage in a basement, closet, or utility room.
Label the Can
Over time, it’s easy to forget which room or surface the leftover paint was used on, especially if you have several cans in storage. To avoid confusion, label the paint can with details like the room it was used in, the paint color name, finish (e.g., satin, eggshell), and the date you stored it. This makes it easier to find the exact paint for touch-ups and ensures you know how old the paint is when deciding whether it’s still good.
Use Smaller Containers for Less Paint
If you have a small amount of paint left, consider transferring it to a smaller, airtight container like a mason jar or plastic container. This reduces the amount of air inside the container, helping to preserve the paint for longer periods. Be sure to label these containers with the same information you’d write on a paint can for easy reference.
Check Paint Before Reuse
Before using stored paint, always check its condition. If the paint has a foul smell, is lumpy, or has separated in a way that can’t be mixed back together, it’s time to discard it. For paint that’s simply separated, use a stir stick or a paint mixer to thoroughly combine the pigments again.
Now, If You’d Rather Let a Pro Handle It…
If painting your home seems like more trouble than it’s worth, or you’re just looking to relax while someone else handles the hard work, you’re in luck! You’ve come across Dynamic Painting, one of Calgary’s top painting companies. Whether you need a professional to tackle a tricky spot over a bay window or a team to transform an entire multi-story building, our painters have the experience to handle it all.
At Dynamic Painting, we’re passionate about bringing color into homes and businesses, inside and out. From small touch-ups to large-scale projects, our expert painters are here to deliver the high-quality results you deserve. Let us take care of your painting project while you sit back and enjoy your freshly painted space. Contact us today and start transforming your home or business with ease!