Can You Store Paint In The Garage?

Paint is a notoriously tricky liquid to store. When not in use, it can easily spoil or evaporate, leaving you with a useless can of paint and wasting your hard-earned money in the process. So, can you store paint in the garage? The answer is…it depends. Keep reading to learn more!

Can You Store Paint in the Garage?

Many people ask if they can store paint in the garage. The answer is yes, as long as the paint is unopened and you follow a few other safety tips. Here are a few things to keep in mind, however. 

By following these simple guidelines, you can successfully store paint in your garage for future use.

1. Needs to Be Unopened

Most people are familiar with the fact that paint needs to be stored in a cool, dry place. However, many people don’t realize that this also applies to storage in the garage. 

When paint is exposed to extreme temperatures, it can start to degrade, affecting both its quality and its performance. That’s why it’s important to make sure that any paint you’re planning to store in the garage is unopened. 

By keeping the paint sealed in its original container, you can help to ensure that it will stay fresh and ready to use for years to come. So if you’re looking for a way to extend the life of your paint supply, make sure to store it in the garage – just make sure it’s unopened first.

2. Temperatures Should Be Between 60-80 Degrees

Paint cans should be stored in a location where temperatures are between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal storage location would be on a high shelf or in a cabinet, away from any direct sunlight or heat sources

3. Lid Should Be Airtight 

It’s important to keep your paint containers airtight. Over time, exposure to air can cause the paint to harden and lose its color. In addition, it’s a good idea to keep your paint cans away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. The heat can cause the paint to blister and peel, while the cold can make it brittle and crack.

4. Type of Paint Matters 

One type of paint that is particularly sensitive to temperature changes is latex paint. Latex paint can start to deteriorate if it gets too hot, and it may even become unusable if it freezes. For this reason, it’s best to avoid storing latex paint in the garage unless you can keep it in a temperature-controlled environment. 

Oil-based paints are less sensitive to temperature changes, but they can still be damaged by extreme heat or cold. If you need to store oil-based paint in the garage, be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place

5. The Garage Can Affect Water Level, Color, and Consistency 

Most people store their paint in the garage, but what they don’t realize is that the garage can actually affect the water level, color, and consistency of the paint. 

The high humidity levels in the garage can cause the water level in the paint to rise, which will make the paint thin out and less pigmented. The temperature fluctuations in the garage can also cause the paint to change color or become chipped and flaky. 

6. Choose the Right Spot

It is important to choose the right spot in the garage for storing paint. Ideal locations include a shelf that is not likely to be disturbed by other activities, such as car repairs, and away from any windows or doors that could let in direct sunlight.

7. Use a Storage Container 

The best way to store paint is in a storage container. That way, you can keep the can sealed tight and avoid any leaks or spills. Plus, it will be easy to find the paint when you need it again.

Here are a few more tips on how to store leftover paint:

8. Label the Paint

If you’re like most people, your garage is probably full of half-empty paint cans. And if you’re like most people, you have no idea what color is in each can. To solve this problem, simply label the paint cans with their contents. 

A quick trip to the hardware store will yield a variety of labels and markers specifically designed for this purpose. Once you’ve labeled your paint cans, organizing your garage will be a breeze.

9. Keep Them in a Central Spot 

Paint cans are tricky. They’re bulky, they’re awkward, and they always seem to end up in the way. But where should you store them? The answer is simple: in a central spot in the garage. By keeping them all in one place, you can save yourself a lot of time and hassle. 

10. Watch Out for Rust

If you’re planning on keeping your paint cans in the garage, make sure you’re aware of the potential for rust. Paint cans are often made of metal, and metal is susceptible to rusting when exposed to moisture. If your garage is damp or humid, there’s a good chance that your paint cans will start to develop rust spots. 

To avoid this problem, be sure to store your paint cans in a dry, well-ventilated area. And if you do notice any rust forming on your cans, be sure to remove it immediately. Rust can spread quickly, so it’s best to nip it in the bud as soon as possible.

11. Keep Away From Pets and Kids

Make sure the cans are sealed tightly and stored out of reach of pets and children. Second, consider placing them on a shelf or in a cabinet to prevent them from tipping over.

How Long Can You Store Paint in the Garage?

So how long can paint actually be stored before it goes bad? The answer, it turns out, depends on the type of paint. 

Latex or water-based acrylic paints can last up to 10 years if they’re stored properly. On the other hand, oil-based paints have a much longer shelf life and can last for 15 years. 

So if you’re ever unsure whether your paint is still good, just check the label to see how long it can be stored before it expires.

Where is the Best Place to Store Unused Paint?

If you’re trying to decide where to store your unused paint besides the garage, you might want to consider your options carefully. 

The basement is a popular choice, but it can be damp and humid, which is not ideal for paint storage. 

The attic is another possibility, but it can be hot in the summer, which could cause the paint to degrade. The cupboard might seem like a good option, but it’s often too warm and can lead to paint drying out. 

Ultimately, the best place to store unused paint is in an environment that is consistently cool and dry.

How to Store Paint

Most people don’t think about how to store paint after they finish a project. They just toss the leftover paint in the garage and forget about it until they need it again. But if you want your paint to stay in good condition, there are a few things you should know about storage. 

1. First, always store paint in a cool, dark place. Heat and light can damage paint, causing it to fade or become brittle.
2. Second, make sure the lids are tightly sealed on your paint cans. This will prevent the paint from drying out or developing a skin. 
3. Finally, if you have any cracked or chipped paint cans, throw them out. Leaks can ruin other cans of paint, and old paint can be dangerous to use. 

By following these simple tips, whether you’re storing your paint in the garage or elsewhere, you can ensure that your paint will be in good condition when you need it again.