How To Store Paint Correctly

Properly storing your paint is just as important as choosing the right coating for your project. Whether you have just opened a new can or have leftover paint from a previous job, knowing how to store paint correctly will help maintain its quality, prevent wastage, and save you money in the long run. In this detailed guide, we explore the best practices for storing paint cans, tips for extending paint shelf life, and how to store different types of coating including emulsions, oils, and sprays.

Why Proper Paint Storage Matters

Coating is a sensitive product that can deteriorate quickly if exposed to poor storage conditions. Incorrect storage may cause emulsion to dry out, develop lumps, separate, or lose its color and consistency. This results in wasted product and poor finishes in future applications.

Proper emulsion storage:

• Maintains the coating original texture and color
• Prevents contamination and spoilage
• Ensures you can use leftover paint for touch-ups or new projects
• Saves you money by extending the life of your paint

Understanding how to store leftover paint is especially crucial if you want to keep it usable for months or years.

How To Store Paint Cans Before Opening

New emulsion cans should be stored carefully to preserve their quality before use.

• Store paint cans in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and freezing temperatures. Extreme temperatures can cause coating to spoil or separate.
• Keep cans upright on a stable shelf to avoid dents or damage.
• Avoid storing cans in damp areas such as basements or garages prone to moisture buildup, which can rust metal lids and affect the coating inside.
• For emulsion paint, which is water-based, stable room temperature storage is especially important.

If you’re purchasing tinted paints, proper storage ensures the pigment stays consistent. Visit our Emulsion Paint and Tinted Paints collections for high-quality options designed for durability and stability.

How To Store Paint After Opening

Once a coating can is opened, exposure to air increases the risk of drying out and contamination. Properly resealing and storing opened emulsion is key to keeping it usable.

Storing Leftover Paint Safely

• Wipe the rim and inside of the lid clean before sealing to prevent dried paint from interfering with the seal.
• Place a piece of plastic wrap over the opening before putting the lid back on for an extra airtight barrier.
• Use a rubber mallet or rolling pin to gently tap the lid closed tightly, ensuring no air leaks.
• Store the can upside down to create a tighter seal and reduce air exposure.
• Label the can with the date and color to keep track of your paint inventory.

Tips For Extending Paint Shelf Life

• Avoid frequent opening and closing of the can to minimize air contact.
• Store paint cans in a consistent, moderate temperature environment—avoid temperature fluctuations.
• Keep cans off damp floors by placing them on wooden pallets or shelves.
• For larger cans, consider transferring small amounts of leftover paint to smaller airtight containers to prevent repeated exposure to air in the main can.

Best Way To Store Different Types of Paint

Different coatings require different storage considerations. Knowing how to store various emulsion types correctly helps maintain their longevity.

Storing Emulsion Paint

Emulsion paints are water-based and sensitive to freezing temperatures. Freeze-thaw cycles can ruin the consistency.

• Store emulsion coating in a cool, frost-free environment (above 5°C).
• Avoid storing near heaters or direct sunlight to prevent premature skinning or thickening.
• Make sure lids are sealed tightly after each use.

Storing Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paints are solvent-based and require special care.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from flames or heat sources due to flammability.
• Ensure cans are tightly sealed to prevent evaporation of solvents.
• Avoid freezing as this can cause separation and coagulation of the coating.
• Check the integrity of metal cans to prevent rust, which can compromise the seal.

For premium oil-based options, explore our Oil-Based Paint collection.

Storing Spray Paint

Spray emulsions come in pressurized cans and need careful handling.

• Store spray coating cans upright in a cool, dry place away from heat or direct sunlight to avoid explosion hazards.
• Avoid freezing temperatures that can damage the propellant.
• Keep caps securely fastened to prevent nozzle clogging.
• Shake cans well before storage to keep pigments suspended.

Discover our versatile range of Spray Paint suitable for various surfaces.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Storing Paint

To maximize the life of your coating, avoid these common storage errors:

• Leaving cans open or loosely sealed, allowing air to dry out the paint.
• Storing cans in damp or unventilated areas, leading to rust or mold.
• Exposing coating to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
• Using damaged or dented cans that compromise the seal.
• Mixing different paint types or colors in one container.

Signs Your Paint Has Gone Bad

Knowing when emulsion has spoiled saves you from wasted effort:

• Lumpy, clumpy, or separated coating that doesn’t mix smoothly.
• Unpleasant or sour odors indicating bacterial contamination.
• Paint that doesn’t spread or adhere properly during application.
• Significant color changes or faded pigments.

If you notice these signs, it’s best to dispose of the coating safely and purchase fresh material.

Storing emulsion properly extends its usability and saves you money on repurchases. For the best storage practices and quality products, visit the Paintlab homepage, where you’ll find everything you need to maintain your paint’s performance.