Paint Storage Tips for San Diego Homeowners

As you may know from firsthand experience, there is a big focus on DIY (do-it-yourself) projects these days. Homeowners are having fun with customization and color, from accent walls to putting unique finishes and designs on repurposed furniture.

Folks are now storming the internet for tips and product ideas to help streamline their project, ultimately leading to a better and longer-lasting result. We think that’s great!

Here’s a question, though: what do you do with your leftover paint when your project is done? After all, unless you planned with laser precision, the chances are good that you have a little left in the bottom of the can.

Keeping Your Paint Fresh and Ready for Next Time

If you have a decent amount leftover and you have the storage space for it, you can certainly keep the original can. If you just have a little bit sloshing around in the bottom, on the other hand, why not transfer it to a smaller jar?

If you do downsize, just be certain that you clearly label it with the brand, color, the manufacturer’s code for the color, what kind of paint it is, and where in the house you used it. That way, if you need to purchase more down the road, you can easily find the exact match.

Here are a few other tips to keep in mind:

• The key is to keep it airtight. To help with the goal of airlessness, try stretching a layer of plastic wrap over your can before you put the lid back in place.
• One of the primary components in keeping a tight seal for your paint can is to protect the rim that the lid sits in. How do you do this? Well, for starters, don’t pry the lid open with a screwdriver. It can mangle that crucial, well-designed point of connection. As an alternative, invest a few dollars in a nifty little tool made just for the job (you can find one at your paint supply store).
• You can also protect the seal by not banging the lid back in place with a hammer. Try tapping it gently with a rubber mallet, or at the very least wrap a rag around the hammer to lessen the impact.

BONUS TIP:

Just like with any project, working as neatly as possible always offers benefits. In this case, keeping drips and dribbles out of the rim of your paint can will allow the lid to sit nicely back inside it again when you're done. If paint does get in there, it will quickly dry and lessen the seal.

Let’s Talk Environment

Your leftover paint may not be a fine wine, but it does have some environmental needs. It is best stored in a dry place with a consistently moderate temperature. A basement is just fine, as long as it isn’t exposed to moisture. Rust creeps through quickly and contaminates/taints the color.

Or, You Can Call Your San Diego Painting Professional!

The team here at Chism Brothers Painting would love to help you with your next interior or exterior project. And, as an added bonus, we won’t saddle you with leftover paint to deal with. Why not give us a call today?