It is usually the case when Absolute Painting & Power Washing completes a painting project that there is paint leftover. It also quite common for there to be paint samples from a color consult. The question is what to do with the paint? You really should keep the paint for any touchups that may need to be done at a later date. Invariably there will be scuff marks, dents in the wallboard, and holes poked in the walls. The samples may also come in handy the next time the services of an interior designer are used. The real problem with the remaining paint is how to store the paint.
Three Simple Rules for Storing Leftover Paint
Less Air Better Paint
If the amount of paint leftover can fit into a smaller container that can be sealed air tight then place the paint into this container. The less air in the container the better. Don’t forget to label the new container. If there is still too much paint remaining in the original paint container then place a piece of plastic wrap on top of the paint and reseal the container. This will reduce the amount of air that can come in contact with the paint while it is being stored. If you like you can also place a piece of plastic wrap on the top of the container before you put the lid on the container. This will aide in creating a tighter seal around the lid.
Cold Paint is not Good
Placing a container of paint onto a concrete or tile floor is a sure way to reduce the temperature of the paint. If you store the paint in a garage or storage shed make sure that you place it on a shelf. This will keep it from having constant contact with the ground. If at all possible store the remaining paint indoors in a closet or basement. This will keep it at a constant temperature.
Hot Paint is Bad
Storing paint where it can get too hot can be just as bad as the cold. Never store paint near any heat source. Placing paint near a water heater, furnace, or other combustion source may damage the paint and is definitely a fire hazard. If you have a heated garage keep the paint away from the heat source. Again, placing the paint on a shelf or elevated pallet is always best.
Clearly Label the Container
All paint comes with an identifying label. That is to say, there will be a color description as well as the manufacturer’s identification. Many of the paint companies also have their own methods of matching paint. Miller Paint, a Portland, Oregon based company, has a great web page all about color choice. All you really need to do is take a sample of the leftover paint into any of their locations and they can help you match it up. That is if you have a need to have the paint identified because someone forgot to label it.
How to Tell if Paint is Bad
So you had your house painted a few years back and you need to do some touch up work on a wall. Out you go to the garage to get the leftover paint you stored. Wait a minute… what if the paint has gone bad? How can you tell? There are several methods to test paint to see if it has gone bad. First is to just smell it. It doesn’t smell like paint then it probably isn’t paint anymore. Stir the paint really well. Does it still have the consistency of paint? If it feels too thick or to thin then guess what, it’s not paint anymore. If the container was not sealed well then the top of the paint will form a thick layer that can literally be peeled out of the container. Probably not paint at this point either. Remember that paint is made of chemicals and chemicals react to heat, cold, and exposure in general.
If you decide that it is time for new exterior paint instead of touching up the current paint. Give us a call at Absolute Painting & Power Washing. We will be happy to give you a proposal. If you decide the interior paint is just not your color anymore we can take care of that as well.
“We guarantee you will be a satisfied customer”
Mike Hughes
