How Long Can You Keep Paint Before It Turns Bad?

Do you have paint kept in your home, but you’re not sure if it’s still good? Perhaps you used some paint for a project but had leftover and want to know if you can still use it. Maybe you found some old paint cans while cleaning the garage and wonder if the paint is still usable.

Paint doesn’t last forever, but there are ways to tell if the paint has gone bad and isn’t usable anymore. Paint can last for many years if it’s stored properly, but there are also ways that paint can go bad and needs to be thrown away, especially if you need it in the future for house painters Sydney.

Things to Check in Your Paint

Here are a few things to look for when trying to determine the quality of your paint:

Check the Expiration Date

Most paints have an expiration date on the can. This is generally two years from the date of manufacture. After this time, the paint may not adhere to surfaces or may not provide adequate coverage.

Look for Changes in Color or Consistency

Fresh paint should be a consistent color throughout the can. If you see any changes in the color of the paint or notice that it has become thinner, this is an indication that the paint has gone bad and shouldn’t be used.

Smell the Paint

Paint that has gone bad will often have a sour smell. If you notice this when you open the can, it’s best to discard it.

Types of Paint That Have a Limited Shelf Life

Some types of paint don’t last as long as others and have a shorter shelf life. Here are some examples:

Latex Paint

Latex paint is water-based and has a shelf life of 10 years. After this time, it will begin to thicken and may not go on smoothly.

Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paint is longer lasting than latex paint but still has a limited shelf life. It can last up to 15 years but after this time, it will become harder to apply and won’t adhere to surfaces.

Chalkboard paint

Chalkboard paint has a shorter shelf life than other types of paint since it contains active ingredients that can deteriorate over time. This type of paint generally has a shelf life of two years.

How to Extend the Shelf Life of Your Paint

If you Want your Paint to Last as Long as Possible, There are Some Things you can do to Extend its Shelf Life:

Store Paint in a Cool, Dry Place

Paint should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A temperature-controlled basement or storage shed is ideal. Avoid storing paint in areas that get hot, such as near a furnace or water heater.

Keep the Lid on Tight

Make sure the lid is on tight so that air can’t get into the can and cause the paint to dry out. If the paint starts to dry, add a few drops of water and stir well before using.

Use a Paint Strainer

Before using paint that’s been stored for a while, pour it through a paint strainer to remove any lumps or debris.

Peacock Painting

Conclusion

Following these tips will help your paint last longer so you can use it for future projects. If you’re not sure if the paint is still good, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it rather than risk using bad paint and ruining your project. Moreover, you can always ask for help from Affordable residential painters services in Sydney when it comes to paint.