Can I use 20 year old paint?

Author: Delphia Bogan  |  Last update: Thursday, July 31, 2025

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.

Is 20 year old paint any good?

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.

What happens if I use expired paint?

Not only can expired paint smell bad, but it could also irritate your skin, nose, eyes, and throat, so it's best to toss it out. If your paint doesn't smell but has an unusual consistency, it can also make your home's paint look like an eyesore.

Is 17 year old paint still good?

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.

Can paint last 15 years?

Oil-based paint is usable for up to 15 years. Latex paint remains usable for up to 10 years, assuming it has never been exposed to freezing and thawing. At some point, most of us end up with extra paint.

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Can you use 25 year old paint?

Latex paints will last up to 2-10 years. Oil-Based Paint- Oil-based paints will last between 3-11 years if stored properly. While oil-based paints take longer to dry, both while using it and in storage, it's a more durable paint option.

How can you tell if paint has gone bad?

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.

What happens if you use bad paint?

For one, the expired paint will have adhesion issues. More importantly, it can be hazardous by giving off excess VOCs or paint fumes. In this case, it's best to get new paint. However, the paint may still be good if the water has separated from the solids.

How long is Sherwin-Williams paint good for?

“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.

What paint lasts 25 years?

Rhino Shield is the Longest Lasting Exterior Paint

With its ability to resist cracking, chipping, warping, or peeling, Rhino Shield is guaranteed to maintain its integrity and appearance for 25 years. Rhino Shield is the answer for anyone seeking a durable, long-lasting solution for their exterior painting needs.

How long does Benjamin Moore paint last?

Once opened, most paint products, including Benjamin Moore, have a shelf life of two years.

Is it good to paint over old paint?

Can I paint over old paint? That's something we get asked all the time by our clients. In short, the answer is yes. That is, if the walls beneath are white, smooth, and stain-free – which, if you're in the process of repainting, they probably aren't.

How do you know if paint is OK?

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.

Can you use outdated paint?

Can You Use Old or Spoiled Paint? In many cases, paint stored away from extreme temperatures and humidity is still useable long after its listed shelf life. If your paint doesn't have a spoiled odor or consistency, you can use it for touchups or new projects—though it may not result in a perfect finished product.

Does Sherwin Williams take old paint?

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.

Can paint last 20 years?

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. Unopened paint maintains its ratio of liquids and semi-solids which is why it's fine to use after a long period of time. Once the can is opened and exposed to air, this ratio begins to change.

How long is a 5 gallon bucket of paint good for?

As long as paint is stored in a cool, dry location using an appropriate container that has been properly sealed, it can usually last several years after being opened. So, even if there aren't any immediate plans to paint, it's a good idea to store extra paint instead of disposing of it.

Does Home Depot paint expire?

Unopened water based paint and latex paint will last for 10 years if they don't freeze. Leftover paint should be used within two years. Once your paint is safely stored in an air-tight and labeled paint container, follow these storage tips to ensure your paint lasts as long as possible.

Can you use 15 year old paint?

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.

Will Home Depot shake old paint?

Paint Shake and Re-Tints

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.

How do you fix bad paint?

To fix this, you can:
  1. Scrape the drips off with a paint scraper and/or sand the area until smooth. Patching may be necessary afterward, be careful as it may take off underlying paint. If severe enough, it may be easier to patch the whole area.
  2. Clean the area with a damp cloth.
  3. Repaint it.

What happens if you use old paint on walls?

If all you need to do is cover a hole from a nail or touch up a scuff, expired paint can do the job, but don't expect fantastic results. If it smells bad, bypass using the paint entirely — that smell is bacterial growth that will likely persist once it's on the wall.

What paint is at Lowes?

With our wide selection of paint by Sherwin-Williams, HGTV Home® by Sherwin Williams, Valspar® and STAINMASTER™, your perfect color is waiting for you.

Can you reactivate old paint?

Make dried paints liquid again with water

As acrylic paints are water-based, you can make these paints liquid again by adding water. Hot water is best for this, which you pour drop by drop into the pot. Then stir the dried paint thoroughly and wait for the water and dried acrylic paint to mix thoroughly.

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