How to Store Leftover Paint So It Does Not Spoil

Leftover paint is useful. It lets you touch up scuffs, cover repairs and match the colour exactly when the wall gets marked. But paint stored badly can dry into a skin, turn lumpy or smell sour, and then it is no use to anyone. In our hot, humid climate, how you store it matters. Step by step 1. Clean the rim of the tin. Wipe paint from the rim and the groove with a cloth so the lid can seal properly. Paint left in the rim dries and keeps the lid from closing tightly. 2. Seal the lid fully. Press the lid down all the way and tap it shut with a rubber mallet or a piece of wood. Do not hit it with a hard hammer directly on the lid, because it can bend the edge. 3. Use a smaller container for small amounts. Air inside the tin causes paint to skin and dry out. If only a little paint is left, pour it into a clean, airtight container of a suitable size, so there is less air in contact with the paint. 4. Label every tin. Write the colour name or code, the room or wall it was used on, the paint type and finish, the date and the batch number. You will thank yourself when you need a touch up months later. 5. Store it in a cool, dry place. Keep paint out of direct sun and away from very hot spaces such as roof areas, kitchens and rooms next to generators. A shaded storeroom or cupboard inside the house is better. 6. Protect it from freezing and damp floors. Water based paint should not freeze, which is not usually a problem here, but standing tins in a damp spot can rust the tin and the lid. Place tins on a shelf or a piece of wood. 7. Keep it away from children and food. Store paint in a locked or high place, and never transfer it into drink or food containers. Using stored paint • Stir well before use, because paint settles over time • If a skin has formed, lift it out and strain the paint through a clean cloth or a paint strainer • Pour what you need into a tray or cup instead of dipping dirty brushes in the main tin • Test a small patch first to confirm the colour matches Signs your paint has gone bad • A strong sour or rotten smell • Lumps that will not mix smooth after stirring • Mould on the surface • Paint that stays stringy or will not dry properly on the wall If you see these signs, do not use the paint on a wall. Disposing of old paint safely Do not pour paint into drains, gutters or onto the ground, because it can pollute water and soil. For small leftovers, let the paint dry out completely in the open tin in a safe place, then dispose of it with your waste following local rules. For large quantities, ask a waste collection service or paint supplier about safe disposal. A clean rim, a tight lid, a clear label and a cool storeroom will keep your leftover paint ready for the next touch up. At Merlux Painting Services, we advise clients on keeping the right amount of paint after a job. Visit us at www.merluxpainting.com or 27B NTA Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.