Solvent-based paints have a 15-year shelf life. If you can stir it, it's probably okay to use (even if you have to remove the “skin” on the surface first). Latex has a shelf life of 10 years. If it has been subject to freezing, it may not be usable.
In particular, an unopened can of latex or acrylic paint lasts up to 10 years. For unopened paints that are oil-based or alkyd-based, the shelf life could be up to 15 years. Additionally, chalk paint has a shorter lifespan from 1-3 years, and milk paint only lasts 1-2 weeks after its mixed.
Typically, you might get 5-10 years from latex paints and 10+ for oil paints. Anything more than that and you'll likely need to buy new paint. If you need to dispose of old paint, contact your county for further details. If you need some help with your paint project, give us a call.
The good news is that if you have an unopened can of paint that has been stored properly, it's almost guaranteed to still be fine to use. Unopened latex and water-based acrylic paints can last up to 10 years and alkyd and oil-based paints can last up to 15 years.
If you kept it indoors it's fine. Paint shelf life is typically 3 years, but I've had paint that was as old as 10 years still be fine. Just don't let it get frozen or keep it in direct sunlight.
You might notice the consistency of your paint has changed. There may be a “skin” on the surface or lumps that won't stir out. If either of these is present, your paint has most likely expired.
Recycling Your Paint
Sherwin-Williams is pleased to volunteer many of our stores as drop-off locations. Ready to drop off your leftover paint? Search for a Sherwin-Williams store* in any of the participating states/jurisdictions.
“We do not have expiration dates on [Sherwin-Williams] paint but we do give it a shelf life of three years (most architectural coatings) from the time of manufacturing,” says Sherwin-Williams' Director of Product Excellence Dennis Fiorilli.
Paint Shake and Re-Tints
This one isn't weird so much as unexpected. If you bring your old paint to a Home Depot paint center, you can have it shaken up in their machines. This saves the effort of stirring up your old paint, but it also sets up another great service: paint re-tints.
One of the best ways to tell if your stored paint has gone bad is to test it on a piece of board or timber. If lumping occurs it could be that chunky sized bits of paint have formed despite a vigorous stir. Extreme bad smell like rotten eggs might be highly concentrated.
Impacts on Texture and Finish
If the paint is too thick straight out of the can, it may need to be thinned using the appropriate thinner (water for latex paint, mineral spirits for oil-based paint, etc.) to reach the right consistency.
This brown liquid is probably linseed oil . and harmless,store ALL your paint tins upside down to prevent skin forming on top,turning it over before opening will give you fresh clean paint to start using.
If it smells bad, bypass using the paint entirely — that smell is bacterial growth that will likely persist once it's on the wall. Small flecks or a thicker consistency, however, can be ignored for quick jobs if you're not a perfectionist.
"Paint that is beyond its shelf life can develop a rancid, sometimes rotten-egg odor," says Edrosa. If you open a can and find either of these problems, dispose of the paint and buy new.
What to Look for With Old Cans of Paint. In addition to a puffed-up lid or bulging can, signs that paint is past its prime include a thick, rubberlike film topping it, or paint that doesn't mix well when stirred or doesn't stay uniformly blended for 10 to 15 minutes after mixing.
Open cans of paint don't last as long, but if the can is sealed after painting and stored in a cool, dry location, such as a heated garage or a basement, the paint can last for years. On average, paint lasts about ten years before it needs to be tossed, although some paint products may last up to fifteen years.
This depends on whether you've maintained the proper storage conditions. New, never-opened cans of latex or oil paint usually last three years. If you store a can of opened paint properly and don't expose the paint to air, it may last up to a couple of years more than that.
If your acrylic or house paint has dried up, don't worry – you can bring it back to life. Simply add a bit of water or a paint conditioner to the dried paint and stir it well. Start with a small amount, mix, and check the consistency. Repeat until it reaches the desired smoothness.
Most paints last one to two years in an open can. Latex paints can last an average of 10 years in an unopened can. Oil-based paint lasts up to 15 years in an unopened can. The paint goes bad by hardening or becoming rancid when air or debris gets into a can that isn't sealed well.
It has technology to allow us to paint in cooler temperatures and will typically last about 5-7 years. Of course the amount of time that any paint will last depends on a lot of factors – two of the most important being weather conditions and pre-existing conditions.
The fee funds all aspects of the paint stewardship program. This includes paint collection, transportation, recycling, public outreach, and program administration, as well as managing “legacy” paint—material that has been accumulating in homes and businesses since before the program began.
If the old paint is flaking, bubbling, or peeling off, it might not be a good idea to paint over it directly. This is because the new layer of paint might not adhere properly to the surface, leading to an unattractive and uneven finish.