Oil-based paints can go bad, but it will take more than a decade. In fact, an unopened oil-based paint can last up to 15 years, which is five years longer than most latex paint.
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.
Water-based paint: 4 – 24 hours
Water-based paints have a relatively short open-air time. That means it will harden quicker than most other types of paint. So, you should either pour it back into the paint cans or store it with an airtight lid as soon as possible.
A good rule of thumb with paint is, if you open it and it looks / feels fine (like when you stir it up) then it likely is fine.
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.
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.
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 should be stored out of reach of children and away from food and drink. Most types of leftover latex paint, including AURA®, REGAL® and ben®, should be stored either in a lined metal can to prevent rust, or a glass or plastic container.
Shelf life is, quite simply, how long an item can remain on a shelf and still be usable. For paint and coatings, it means how long a can of paint can last on your shelf and still be used to paint or do touch-ups. Home painters typically have leftover paint, and that can separate or harden over time.
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.
It's tempting to store paint in your garage or shed, but this can be dangerous for your paint's longevity during winter. When these areas get too cold, your paint can freeze and become unusable, especially if temperatures fluctuate throughout the season.
When you're waiting to apply your second coat, leaving paint on your brush or roller can cause them to dry out and become unusable. Save time washing them out – instead, wrap up your tools in aluminium foil between coats. This will keep the paint on your brush and roller fresh for a long period of time.
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.
Other types of paints, like latex paints, have lower levels of VOCs but can still be dangerous if not used properly. In general, paint fumes will remain toxic for up to a day after the paint is dried.
Understanding the Problem: What Causes Watery Paint? Paint, whether oil-based or water-based, tends to separate when left unused for an extended period. The separation of the paint can lead to a watery consistency, with solid components settling at the bottom and the liquid rising to the top.
While you may not love the smell of fresh paint, spoiled paint has a scent that's much worse. "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.
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.
Signs of damage: If the paint has gone bad, it will look curdled like cottage cheese or overly thick like a pudding. If you dig out an old can of paint and you have either of these, it's best not to use the paint and dispose of it properly.
Store leftover paint in mason jars for quick touch-ups. It's a great way to organize your home.
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.
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.
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.
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.