Tips for Storing Leftover Paint

You should always have some leftover paint to set aside after a project. It will come in handy if a future ding or dent in your wall needs TLC. But finding the exact paint match months later isn't always easy. Even if you still have a record of the exact paint color, the newer version may not match perfectly, or the paint may have been discontinued. But storing leftover paint can pose a challenge, even for painting professionals. Here are a few tips we've learned (sometimes the hard way).

Should I Store Leftover Paint in Its Original Container?

This is okay if the paint was barely used and you can get a good seal when you close the can. But in most cases, it's better to use a new container.

Once the seal on a paint can is broken, air can seep in. This will cause the liquid in your paint to evaporate, and the paint will thicken or skin over. You should always store paint in an airtight container such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a sturdy plastic container with a snap-on top. Many stores have paint storage cans available for purchase.

Make sure the new container is clean and dry before use. Ideally, the paint should fill the container as close to the top as possible in order to limit the air left inside. Some contractors suggest storing paint containers upside down to prevent air from seeping in, but this is risky if the container isn't well balanced or properly sealed.

Where Should I Store My Leftover Paint?

Put your paint container in a cool, dry place such as a basement or utility room where temps are stable and won't fluctuate with the seasons. Once you think you have the perfect place to store your paint, take a careful look around the storage area. Is this safely out of reach of pets and children? Is the shelf wide and sturdy? Are there other objects on the shelf that you will be moving frequently? Is there anything nearby such as a Christmas tree that may knock against the shelf when you move it? You don't want to knock over a paint container and cause a major mess, so take a minute to think about what could go wrong.  

Remember to Label Paint Containers

Yes, the paint container shows the paint color and brand, but it's not uncommon for paint to run down the side of the can and obscure important information. There is other information you should note on your paint containers for future reference. Every paint container should have a label that tells the exact paint color, brand, the room or project where this paint was used, and the date this paint was originally opened as well as dates it was opened and re-used.

Some Paints Need Extra TLC

Always read the manufacturer's guidelines for storing your paint product. Some paints cannot be stored in plastic containers. If a specialty paint is highly flammable, then it shouldn't be stored near a heat source. You may want to store interior and exterior paints in separate locations to reduce the chance of confusing them, especially if some of the colors are similar.  

If you have questions about what to do with leftover paint, don't hesitate to call the experts at Cityscape Painting. We've seen a lot over the past 35 years, and we're always happy to talk paint. Call us today at (952) 469-5901.