Can you use 10 year old exterior paint?

Author: Jarrell Kerluke  |  Last update: Monday, June 16, 2025

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.

How do I know if my exterior paint is still good?

Just like rotten food in your refrigerator, there's usually a harsh smell that accompanies an old can of paint that has gone bad. Physical changes. 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.

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.

Can you use old exterior paint?

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.

How long is exterior paint good for?

How Long Does Exterior Paint Usually Last? A decent exterior paint job will generally last anywhere from five to ten years. However, many factors will influence whether or not your paint job will be on the smaller or larger end of the range (or even outlast it entirely).

Reusing Old Paint | DIY Tip

Can you use 10 year old paint?

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.

What exterior paint lasts 10 years?

A well-applied coat of acrylic exterior paint generally lasts 5-10 years, while latex and oil-based paints don't hold up as long.

How many years does Sherwin Williams exterior paint last?

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.

Should I prime over old exterior paint?

Priming helps seal and achieve a smooth surface for better adhesion. But is it necessary to use a primer every time you paint? You do not need a primer: If the new paint is the same color as the old one and the wall is smooth and clean.

What is the shelf life of Sherwin Williams 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.

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.

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 can you tell if an exterior paint job is bad?

In conclusion, recognizing a bad paint job involves identifying signs such as air holes, cracking or peeling, and blisters on the walls. Issues with an exterior paint job can stem from watered-down paint, shady business practices, and insufficient prep work.

What exterior paint lasts 25 years?

Rhino Shield's advanced formula and impressive ASTM test results establish it as the market's 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.

How do you test exterior paint?

You can always paint a separate piece of wood – preferably the same as your house exterior – indoors, and when it's dry, place it next to the exterior. This way you can observe the colour in different lighting and weather conditions for a longer time.

Can dried up paint be revived?

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.

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 to know if paint is bad?

You can tell paint has gone bad by the smell and texture. A rancid or sour-smelling paint means your paint has gone bad. In particular, the smell of bad paint is similar to sour milk. Other indicators of expired paint include a lumpy or chunky paint consistency.

What brand of exterior paint lasts the longest?

Which brand of exterior paint lasts the longest? Sherwin-Williams Duration is the longest-lasting exterior paint brand, according to Consumer Reports.

Which is better exterior Behr or Sherwin-Williams?

Overall, when comparing Sherwin Williams products and Behr products, Sherwin Williams comes out ahead on coverage, color consistency, in-store assistance, and long-term value.

How long does unused exterior paint last?

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.

What is considered the best exterior house paint?

10 Best Exterior House Paints for 2024
  • Sherwin Williams Emerald Exterior. ...
  • Benjamin Moore Element Guard. ...
  • Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior. ...
  • Benjamin Moore Aura. ...
  • Sherwin-Williams VinylSafe SuperPaint. ...
  • Benjamin Moore Revive. ...
  • Sherwin-Williams Rejuvenate. ...
  • Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior.

Is 20 year old paint still good?

Oil based paints have a shelf life of anywhere from 2 to 15 years. Depending how well it was sealed and stored. 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.

Does exterior paint have an expiration date?

It depends on whether or not you stored it properly and what type of paint it is. Paint that has never been opened, latex or oil, will typically last about three years. If you store a can of opened paint in the correct way, it most likely will last a couple of years.

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