Saving leftover paint..How do YOU do it?
by
Bernice H
+16
Just wondering how others save left over paint, like half gallons. Do you have any tricks or tips!
19 answers
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There is a commercial product called Bloxygen...that is sprayed into paint cans etc. It is argon gas, and blocks the oxygen in the air from reacting with the paint. http://www.amazon.com/Bloxygen-Finish-Preserver/dp/B0002088O8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351001776&sr=8-1&keywords=bloxygen Another trick is to ensure the lid is on really well and store the can up side down...then if any skin forms it will be on the bottom when the can is turned back over for use...in those cases it is advised to transfer the paint to a secondary container for mixing.
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 23, 2012
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KMS Woodworks, I've always stored my paint upside down for this very reason.When we clean up the garage my husband ALWAYS asks me why the paint is upside down! I save a lot of my empty glass jars and plastic containers with screw on lids and if I have a small amount of paint letover I put into one of those containers with a piece of duc tape with the brand, color, date and room I painted with it. I also swipe some of the paint on the lid for quick identification.
Mary Insana
on Oct 23, 2012
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Whenever possible, I try to keep only enough leftover paint to fit into quart cans--just some for touch-ups. The home improvement stores sell empty quart cans at a very nominal price. If I have leftover paint from a gallon can I don't want to store, I transfer it into one of those. With a black marker, I write on the can the following info: name of the color, brand, sheen level, what I painted with it, and the date. I store the cans in a low-sided plastic storage bin that slides under my bed. I find the cans don't rust and the paint doesn't dry out or form that film on the top when the cans aren't exposed to the temperature and humidity fluctuations of the garage.
Shari
on Oct 23, 2012
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I have had with success used a layer of plastic wrap laid over the remaining paint. However, I try not to save any once done. I do however take photos of the paint can, the mix numbers and save them in my computer in case I need to touch up in the future. I also do this with the homes that I work in. In my case, I simply discard most of the paint that is left over once all decorations and rooms are finished. I do so by donating to the local non-profits as they mix and paint their rentals with the left over paints that many discard.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Oct 23, 2012
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What super feedback..thanks so much. My way has been putting plastic wrap on top of the paint in the can then sealing tightly. However I do see rust on top of the can,,,I think the idea of getting empty paint cans is a super one. i have to keep the paints in my laundry room , no other place to put them , and smaller cans would be really a bonus. I had thought of jars but they are too small.Right now I have a half gallon of sage, I can use it in another room , but not right now! This has to be useful for other readers too! thanks again! oh Bob, I do take stuff to habitat for humanity, I would rather give it to people who can use it without paying for it. I have other paints also.
Bernice H
on Oct 23, 2012
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Bernice, i wish you were closer to me! I have a LOT of plastic canisters with screw on plastic lids that protein powder comes in and they hold almost a full gallon. If you know anyone that drinks protein ask them if you can have their empty containers. Best people to ask are athletic teenagers, especially boys, post weight loss surgery patients and you may want to go to your local gym that has a smoothie bar and ask them to save empty protein containers.
Mary Insana
on Oct 23, 2012
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You may want to check out a website called Freecycle..... I have used this site to get rid of most of the items that are removed from customers homes due to updates, including extra paint. It is a site run by Yahoo that allows us to recycle items to others that may have use for them, rather then ending up in landfills.This site would allow you to rid or, or in the case of the jars, find others in your area that would take/give these items that you may be looking for.http://www.freecycle.org/group/US
Straight Nails Construction
on Oct 24, 2012
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There are 2 major factors to consider when storing paint: exposure to air and temperature. Here are some tips that will help your leftover paint last for years to come. · Never add water directly into a can of paint. It will spoil prematurely or mold will form. · In the event your latex paint is too thick, take out the amount you will need and place it in a separate container before adding water. Then discard any diluted paint. · When done, transfer unused paint into the smallest possible container to reduce the amount of air in the can. · Place a piece of plastic wrap inside touching the top of the paint before tapping shut. This will prevent a surface film from forming. It also keeps dried particles on the lid from mixing with the fresh paint. · Make sure the container is sealed tightly. A rubber mallet works better than a hammer because it will not bend or distort the lid. · Store remaining paint in a climate controlled environment. Freezing will render paint products unusable. · Do not leave paint cans on a concrete, stone or tile floor. This will cause the can to rust over time and distort the color. · Protect the label on the can that describes the tint recipe. Place a small dab of paint on the top of the lid and write the exact location where it was used. This will eliminate the need to open the can and expose it to air more than necessary.
WallsTreat Studio/ Kass Wilson
on Oct 24, 2012
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It also helps to not work directly out of the paint can. Instead use a paint pot or work pot when working with your brush. This will alleviate any dry paint build up around the lip of the can, causing it not to close airtight. Habitat won't take any opened or partially used cans. I hate to tell you where most of the used paint cans end up.
Peace Painting Co., Inc.
on Oct 24, 2012
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Another good tip, Peace. I'll add it to my list.
WallsTreat Studio/ Kass Wilson
on Oct 25, 2012
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WOW Great Feed back Thanks Every one for the super Ideas.... I never thought of Turning my paint cans upside down..:) @Bernice H Thanks for asking the question I'm Saving this post,,:) CHEERS!
TaniaC
on Oct 25, 2012
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HA! Glad to help @TaniaC like i said ..anything that comes out of my little pea brain. Which reminds me to turn my can over , altho I do have the saran wrap on top of the paint, hmm will I make a mess if I turn it over? hmmm judgement call here.I really should paint something else and use it, right? thinking...thinking..what else do I want that is teal or sage?
Bernice H
on Oct 27, 2012
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Hahahahaha! You Funny Girl You..:) @Bernice H
TaniaC
on Oct 27, 2012
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If you put Vaseline on the edges before you use the paint then it makes it easier to open in the future. Second: i read an article that said store the cans upside down.. , it had something to do with preserving the pigment..
Lori T
on Oct 29, 2012
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Also never store it where the temps are extreme., like a garage..
Lori T
on Oct 29, 2012
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My daughter uses plastic juice jugs etc
Kathy Moose
on Nov 17, 2012
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@Kathy Moose I like that idea , especially if they are clear then you can see the color and what is happening to the paint. I did use a tupperware pitcher for Kilz which worked wonderfully until it got lower and lower in the container, then i did have problems with it thickening etc.
Bernice H
on Dec 16, 2012
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she just uses the plastic jug to store the paint in. When get ready to paint pour in different container so u can get brush or roller in it.
Kathy Moose
on Dec 16, 2012
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I store mine in laundry detergent jugs. I rarely work out of the can, so it makes shaking and pouring a breeze! I just write on the jug what kind of "oops" paint it is. I keep my gallons too long, and they tend to rust. :(
Gail--My Repurposed Life
on May 03, 2013
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