-
A dry location that is protected from temperature extremes is ideal. For instance, a dehumidified basement or climate-controlled storage room provides optimum protection from excessive heat and cold that can degrade paint. A well-insulated garage or utility closet also offers good protection.
Paint cans that are stored for extended periods of time begin to corrode or rust---both inside and out, particularly those housing latex- and acrylic-based paints. But storing them on dry, porous surfaces, such as unfinished wood shelves, will minimize corrosion on the outside. Thick layers of newspaper under the stored cans will help protect the bottoms from the moisture that condenses on slick, non-absorbent finished surfaces. Avoid placing cans on cement surfaces.
In order to keep paint well-preserved, make sure you seal the lid tightly to minimize evaporation and prevent oxidation from contact with the air. Even the air within a sealed, partially empty can interacts with the paint, often causing the surface to form a thick layer of skin. -
Plastic wrap is vital to keeping paint well-preserved.Purchase clear plastic food wrap, available in grocery stores, commonly used to wrap leftovers and seal bowls and lidless food containers. Measure and cut off three squares of the material large enough to overlap the top of the paint can by about two inches. -
A sealed surface protects unused paint.Place one sheet of plastic wrap inside the can, gradually pushing it down with your fingers along the sides until it makes contact with the surface of the paint. Press the plastic all around the edges of the can to form a complete seal over the entire surface of the paint. -
Sealing the rim with plastic wrapPlace the other two squares of plastic wrap over the rim of the paint can to provide an additional seal and moisture barrier---and make the lid much easier to remove and replace. -
Tamping the lid down with a hammer and wood bufferTo minimize distortion of the lid and rim when closing the paint can use a short section of two-by-four lumber to distribute the force of a hammer evenly across the lid. Use moderate pressure when tamping it down with the hammer and rotate the lumber frequently to gradually force the lid down without bending it or creating dents in it or the rim. Then store the can in a safe location.
