When paint is exposed to the air for long periods of time, it changes the chemical make up which is why old paint cannot be used sometimes. To check if yours is okay, you will have to open the can and stir up the contents.
Before you do, be sure to remove the layer of thickened skin on the top. Once this is gone, you can stir the paint and then test it on a piece of cardboard. If the paint goes on normally, your paint is safe to use! If not, another trip to the paint store is in order. This is because paint cannot handle being exposed to extreme heat and cold. Even fully sealed contents may not survive our Canadian weather. You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website.
Reusing old paint is a great way to go green and reduce expenses on your next DIY project. But does paint go bad? The answer is yes, all types of paint can go bad. The difference lies in how long they typically last before they turn on you. Latex, oil-based acrylic, chalk and milk paint are different substances with their own expiration dates.
Latex paint is a versatile, water-based paint that can be used on interior or exterior jobs. When stored correctly, latex paint can last between 2 and 10 years. Oil-based paint is a beautiful, thick paint that spreads easily on just about any surface. When properly sealed in a container, oil-based paint boasts the longest shelf life of any type of paint.
However, a word of caution: When oil-based paint is left partially opened, it dries out rather quickly. And as it dries, it releases toxic fumes that could cause a fire. If your oil-based paint has separated but looks and smells fine otherwise, a simple stir will have you ready to go in no time.
Super thick and smooth, chalk paint is the ideal medium for small projects like furniture or doors. It dries to a beautiful matte finish for a modern look or can be layered, distressed or sanded.
While chalk paint can last from 1 to 5 years if stored properly, chalk paint will dry up much faster than that if left exposed to air. The paint with the shortest shelf life of all is milk paint. This thick paint is made with absolutely no harmful chemicals, making it ideal for jobs where children or even animals are involved.
Pre-mixed varieties that come in a tightly sealed can will last longer and can last up to a year if sealed properly. Keep in mind that milk paint can and should be refrigerated if you have to take a break in the middle of your paint job. Hi i have question,i applied the small patch paint on dry wall but its seems the colour is more darker than the previous paint but i applied through the same paint can. Hello Denise!
Great blog post! I have another angle that pertains to recycling solvent based oil paints. I spray my metal Sculptures with a preval sprayer with alkyd and a little thinner. I mix up too much paint and when I am done, I add more thinner so the pigment and solids will settle. I pour off brown liquid in a clean jar and allow remaining solvent to evaporate. I get pure alkyd oil! I then can add any pigment that is oil safe and make oil paint of any viscosity!
Great fun! I posted the URL to my blog entry on recycling oil paint in the website box if anyone would like to see.
Hello Jason! Thanks for this info. I wonder if anyone has tried pouring off the liquid of an old paint and using it to make a white wash or glaze. The paint was left in the garage over the winter so has congealed and settled at the bottom. It is a shame to waste the liquid on top if there is something I can repurpose it to.
Yaay…that makes my day Gianne! I love using old chunky paints and purposely freeze them in a shed and abuse the heck out of them, the thicker the better. Brilliant Arlene! I received your email and dropped by your site. Your artwork is breathtaking… and what great work with the kids and families! I have been using old old paints that I have picked up off the roadside for several year with great success! Some I have opened and found have even thickened to a soft solid so I use my Tin Snips to cut away the old rusty top part of the can to keep as much rust from falling inside as possible, then I just dip out the remaining clean part and add a little water to thin and its great after blending.
My favorite discovery for mixing yucky paint has been an old blender I bought at a garage sale just for this purpose! I pour the paint in, after dipping away the rusty sediment stuff that is on the top of most old paint, and blend away! This method has given me the most beautiful smooth perfectly mixed paint for all my craft and small furniture projects.
I like that I am making use of paint that would otherwise wind up in the ground or water somewhere.
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