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.
Reusing old paint is helpful for touch-ups and budget-friendly projects, but does paint go bad? Opened cans can go bad in a couple of years and unopened paint expires in about 10 or 15 years. It's easy enough to spot bad paint from its odd texture or funky smell.
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.
One negative effect of using expired paint is that it may not adhere well to surfaces or may peel off easily. The color may also be inconsistent, and the paint may not dry properly. Additionally, expired paint may emit a foul odor, which can be unpleasant and potentially harmful.
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.
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.
Once opened, most paint products, including Benjamin Moore, have a shelf life of two years. Considerations include environment, temperature fluctuations and other variables.
How Do I Paint Over Painted Walls? If the wall is in good condition and the paints are chemically the same (both latex, for instance), you have a few options when the new paint is the opposite shade of the old paint. You can use a primer to thoroughly cover the old color, then apply 1 or 2 coats of the new paint.
In most cases, an opened can of paint lasts between two and five years. If stored carefully, it may last even longer. However, the storage environment, temperature changes and other factors can impact the shelf life.
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.
Age of the Paint: Older, expired paint has a higher likelihood of becoming watery or liquid. Water-based acrylic and latex paints can last unopened for up to 10 years, and once opened, can serve you for another two years when stored properly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are many great options for paint storage containers, such as a Tupperware container, empty plastic ice cream bin, or even glass mason jars typically used for preserving foods or storing jam. These are all perfect for use in storing your leftover paint, and you likely have them laying around your house!
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.
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.
Add water. Dip your paintbrush in a cup of clean water and then gently tap the water from your brush onto the paint. Carefully work the water into the paint using your brush, adding more water if necessary, until the paint becomes more liquid.
You can try the following to revert to previous version of Paint: - Uninstall Paint. Right-click on the app from the Start menu > Uninstall. - Just download and install the version you prefer.
We've got the scoop on why old paint smells so bad and it is simply a buildup of bacteria and mould that causes it to smell like sour milk (OR MUCH WORSE). Bacteria sometimes gets into the paint from the manufacturer but it is most likely to becomes contaminated once opened.