It's best to avoid storing paints and stains in a garage, unless yours has regulated temperatures and excellent insulation. Most garages are exposed to extreme heat and cold, which can ruin paint and stain. Ideally, you'll want to store your paints and stains in a cool, dark space, such as a basement or the back of a closet.
How to Store or Dispose of Paint & Stain
Properly storing and disposing of paints and stains is often overlooked but incredibly important. That's why the friendly experts at Sherwin-Williams are eager to dive into the best practices for storing paint for future projects and how to dispose of paint the right way. Following these tips will ensure successful DIY paint projects while staying safe and environmentally conscious.
How to Store Paint
Before you purchase paint, it's beneficial to calculate how much paint you'll need and buy as close to that amount as you can. Start by determining the surface area of where you plan to paint. Then, look at the paint can label or Product Data Sheet to determine the coverage rate of the product and compare that with your measurements to calculate how much paint you need. This preliminary step can prevent overbuying while minimizing the amount of paint remaining at the end of your project.
If you still have paint after completing your project, that's okay! You can use this leftover paint for future touch-ups or painting new accent walls, as long as you store it correctly. Here are some pointers to keep in mind when storing paint:
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Securely Seal the Paint Lid
Tightly sealing the lid is crucial to prevent air from reaching your leftover paint and drying it out. After you've cleaned residual paint from the top and sides, use a rubber mallet to close the lid. Instead of a traditional hammer, we recommend using a rubber mallet or placing a thick cloth over the top to avoid denting the lid and ensure a proper seal.
Store Paint in the Right Location
You'll want to keep leftover paint in a cool, dark location, like a basement or cabinet. Storing paint in the right location is essential because extreme temperatures and moisture can impact the quality of the product. For instance, cold temperatures can cause latex paint to separate, while extreme heat can cause oil-based paint to catch fire. Plus, you'll want to avoid storing paint cans on concrete to keep them dry, as escaping moisture can cause the metal cans to deteriorate from rust.
How to Dispose of Paint
Paints and stains can be toxic to the environment, so correct paint disposal is vital. Sherwin-Williams encourages you to get rid of old paint safely, so we're providing helpful tips on paint disposal. It's important to note that different areas may have varying requirements and restrictions, so it's best to follow your local guidelines and procedures for paint disposal.
Disposing of Water-Based Paint
If there are no other management options and you must get rid of latex or water-based paints and stains, you'll want to start by drying the remaining product. Dry leftover paint by mixing it with cat litter, shredded newspaper or sawdust, then dispose of it as solid waste - but never get rid of liquid paints or stains in the trash. Remember that California does not permit the treatment of water-based waste, including air drying. Instead, Californians can locate a PaintCare facility to recycle old paints and stains.
Disposing of Oil-Based Paint
Solvent-based paints and stains are flammable and present additional hazards to the environment. Therefore, it's best to save your oil-based paints and stains for a household hazardous waste collection program or to contact your local/state government environmental protection agency for guidance. States with PaintCare will collect and dispose of leftover oil-based products.
Visit these websites for more information:
Donate or Recycle Paint
PaintCare is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established by the American Coatings Association to implement state-mandated paint stewardship programs on behalf of paint manufacturers in states that adopt a paint stewardship law. PaintCare has programs in Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois, Maine, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland and D.C.
If you live in a different state, you may visit http://earth911.com to search for a paint recycling center. Please note that paint recycling facilities may not currently exist in your area. Lastly, you can consider donating leftover paint to a friend, neighbor, charitable organization or school in need of paint. Use social media to offer extra paint and stain to friends, or visit www.freecycle.org to find someone in your area looking for paint.
Disclaimer: This document is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on as legal advice or guidance by anyone. If you need help with how or where to dispose of paint and paint-related materials, contact your local regulatory agencies or municipalities for specific guidance and directives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Latex and water-based paints typically have an unopened shelf life of about 10 years, while oil-based paints have an unopened shelf life of about 15 years. If your latex paint has a rancid odor, it's likely spoiled. You can also check for paint separation, indicated by a thin, solid layer on top of the liquid. Remove the thin solid layer and stir - if the paint is soft and blends smoothly, it's okay to use.
Oil-based paints are far less likely to go bad, especially if the lid is sealed correctly and the can is not exposed to extreme temperatures. Simply remove the thin solid layer across the top and stir the paint before using.
In most cases, an opened can of paint lasts between two and five years. If stored carefully, it may last even longer. However, the storage environment, temperature changes and other factors can impact the shelf life. It's also important to remember that oil-based paints and stains release flammable fumes as they dry, so exercise extra caution when storing these products.
