How Long Can I Store Latex Paint in the Can?

Color is one factor in choosing paint.

Say your house is newly painted and gorgeous. You're very happy with the work, but have a problem: how to store the paint when your job is all done. People often don't know how to store or dispose of paint. The first recommendation is to start with the best quality paint you can afford.

Choosing Paint

Latex paint is easy to clean up.

When purchasing paint, you have more choices than color. When choosing, select the least toxic paint available. Latex paint is water-based, therefore the least noxious of your choices. If you are not sure of the ingredients of your paint, ask for a Material Safety Data Sheet from the store where you bought the paint. The paint that was purchased before 1977 includes lead in its ingredients. Additives in the paint may be hazardous and non-hazardous. In addition, paint made since 1991 no longer has mercury in it.

Cleaning Up Paint

Clean brushes used for latex paint with soap and water.

When cleaning up, wash the brushes with soap and water on the lawn. Be sure that you don't put paint chemicals in your septic system or storm sewer. Try to buy the least amount of paint that you need, or use the leftover on small projects so you won't have a lot of paint to store. Don't leave paint-soaked near a heat source, as they could catch on fire.

Safe Use and Storage of Paint

Measure your walls, and get the smallest amount of paint needed to keep it in the original container. Make sure your room is well-ventilated. Store your leftover paint upside down where it is cool. Don't store it next to a heat source like a water heater. Write notes on the can such as the color code, or date purchased. Your first objective in storing the paint is to keep air out of the can. When you close the can, don't hammer the lid. Put a piece of wood on the lid and tap it with a mallet. Properly stored paint should last 10 to 15 years. Useable paint should be creamy and not have lumps in it.

Paint Disposal

Never put liquid paint in a trash can.

When thinking of disposing of your paint, there are several cautions. Your community might have a hazardous waste program. Never put liquid paint in the garbage or pour it down your drain. Dry your paint outside of your house if you have to throw it out. Dried paint is not hazardous. Warm weather is the best time to do this. You can solidify small amounts of paint by mixing it with a non-flammable absorbent or kitty litter. Stir well. When empty, paint spray cans can be put in the trash. Empty paint cans put out for the trash if you take the lids off so the trash collectors will know what they're dealing with.

References

• University of Missouri Extension: Safe Use, Storage and Disposal of Paint
• Paint wastes...What can Households Do?