Paint left-over storage

[JohnKay]

It's always the same, after every painting job there's some left in the can - trouble is, it has to be put away somewhere. 

 

So here's a few tips.

 

With oil based paint, it's best away from the home, in a shed or garage if at all possible due to the risk of fire. Never in a loft, the heat in summer could burst the lid off.

 

With water based paint, Emulsions etc. these should never be stored anywhere where they could freeze. As it states on the can 'protect from frost' A can that has been frozen, and thawed out will probably be permanently damaged. This type is not a fire risk though, but again not in a loft.

 

If you need to thin an emulsion paint, for a mist coat, or to ease application a little, and you intend keeping the left-overs, thin it's a good idea to use distilled water. The reason being that tap water is not pure, containing bacteria and other nasties, normally harmless, but kept for a while in a warm place can be a problem.

 

Another problem with water based paint in a metal can, is that the can can develop a rust patch internally. Not nice to pick up a can that looks perfectly sound and then find it leaking. If it ever happens, turn it upside down straight away. 

 

If left-over paint is full of bits of skin, or those little bits that drop off the lid, the old trick is to strain it through an old pair of tights.

 

Lastly, if you're having a clear out, please don't put paint in the bin - a number of times I've seen paint dripping out of a dust cart, and leaving a trail all down the road.