It’s inevitable that at some point, you’ll have leftover paint. And while it might be tempting just to leave the leftover paint sitting in its container until you need it again, there are several things you should be aware of if you want to store it safely. This article will discuss those things and provide tips on keeping your leftover paint properly!
Lid Sealing
One thing many people don’t consider when storing leftover paint is the lid’s seal. If cared for properly, most lids can retain their seal for up to a year; however, poor storage practices often result in the loss of that seal and the need to be replaced. If you’re storing your extra paint for personal use and plan on using it within a year of sealing the lid, then it’s not a problem. However, if you’re planning on storing paint for professional use and want to ensure the paint’s quality, be sure to check the lid seal before using your leftover paint! Lastly, don’t forget that even though you’ve stored your can properly, paint can still harden as time passes. So to prevent this, be sure to stir your paint before use.
Labeling
It’s essential to label the container. Labeling paint containers are an often-overlooked aspect of storing leftover paint. Although people don’t always label their paints, it’s not a good idea to try and decipher what your container of leftovers is just by looking at them. After all, if you can’t tell what’s in the container without opening it. However, when storing paint for professional use or long periods, labeling your paints will ensure they don’t go to waste.
Sunlight Exposure
If sunlight enters your storage area, it might alter the color of your leftover paint. This is because most paints contain organic compounds called chromophores that are sensitive to UV radiation from the sun. In other words, if left in direct sunlight, your paint’s color will fade over time. If you’ve stored leftover paint for professional use or long periods and need to prevent it from being exposed to sunlight, a good thing to do is cover it with a dark plastic sheet or paint cloth.
How Long It Lasts
It’s important to realize that how long your leftover paint will last depends on several factors. For example, if you plan to store the paint for personal use and don’t open the lid very often, you may have up to three or four years from when it was sealed before experiencing any problems with its quality. However, if you plan on storing the paint for professional use and open it more frequently, then it may only last up to a year before its quality starts to drop. Also, if you know there’s a possibility of your paint hardening over time, then be sure to add some thinner to keep it fluid before sealing the lid again.
Conclusion
So as you can see, there are several things you need to know about storing leftover paint. If you plan on using it for personal use and only open the container once every year or two, then simply keeping it in a room-temperature area should be enough. However, if you’re planning on opening and closing the paint more frequently or want to use it for professional purposes, then maintaining the paint’s temperature is important! If sunlight enters your storage area, it may alter the color of your leftover paint. So if you plan on storing the paint for extended periods, it’s best to cover it with a dark plastic sheet or paint cloth!
