Any home or business owner will eventually accumulate touch-up or extra paint, at some point. Making sure your paint is stored or disposed of properly is vital for your safety, and the well being of the environment. Proper storage can save you time and money. Latex paint can have a shelf life of up to 10 years if stored properly.
Seal It Right
Getting a proper seal on your paint cans will keep them from drying up. If any paint has gotten in the grooves of the can, wipe it well with a clean rag. Use a rubber mallet to tap the lid down securely. Do not use a hammer, as it can distort the lid and make achieving a good seal difficult. If you don’t have a mallet, you can cover the can with a piece of wood and hammer it closed.
Reopen It Right
Opening a sealed paint can after awhile can be difficult. Never use a screwdriver to open the can. The lid can become warped and may not seal properly again. Special keys are available at most paint stores and will often be given to you with your purchase.
Store It Right
Location is important when it comes to storing paint. Make sure to choose a cool, dark location, such as a basement, or ventilated closet. Make sure to put paint cans on a shelf. Moisture from a basement floor can rust the bottom of your cans. Paint is sensitive to extreme temperatures. Cold temps can cause latex paint to separate, making it unusable and heat will dry it out. Oil based paint can even cause a fire in extreme heat.
When you are done with your paint, it is time to dispose of it properly. Paint can be toxic and dangerous to the environment, so let’s cover some general and simple steps for disposal. Different areas, may have different requirements and restrictions, make sure you are following the laws of the land. Oil-based paint is considered hazardous waste and must always be taken to an appropriate disposal center. Latex paint should also be taken to a disposal center, but if one is not available, latex has a few more safe disposal options. To dispose of latex paint in the trash, add equal parts cat litter to the paint in the can and stir. Stir until the paint thickens and won’t spill. Allow the mixture to sit and dry away from kids or pets. Leave the lid off or loose, seal in a bag or box and throw it in the trash. You can also purchase commercial paint hardeners if desired.
If storage and disposal seems like a hassle, consider donating your paint. Local community centers, charities, school theaters or Habitat for Humanity ReStores could always use more supplies. If the whole process seems like a lot of work, call Mountain Valley Painting and we will do the work for you! 801.865.9987