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.
Expired or bad house paint may exhibit signs such as a foul odor, clumping, separation, or a thick, rubbery texture. Mold growth, curdling, or an unusual color change are also indicators. Always check the label for the recommended shelf life and storage instructions.
If the paint is unused, you'll get more life from it. An opened (and resealed) can of paint typically lasts for less time because of bacteria that can grow in the paint. Bacteria need certain conditions to grow, including darkness, moisture, and heat.
Signs of damage:
If it smells unpleasant or you see mold, you will need to discard it (correctly). And, yes, mold can grow inside a paint can and be a serious health hazard if you put it up on your walls. However, if the paint has an ammonia smell, it's still good.
Once opened, most paint products, including Benjamin Moore, have a shelf life of two years. Considerations include environment, temperature fluctuations and other variables.
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.
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.
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.
Once opened, you may get around two years out of your primer purchase. While the average shelf life may be estimated to be anywhere between two to ten years, it is important to inspect your primer and test it before using it on any other projects.
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. Extreme bad smell like rotten eggs might be highly concentrated.
However, if the paint can is less than halfway full, it may be a good idea to move the paint into an airtight plastic or glass container. This is helpful for several reasons. First, the smaller air pocket inside the storage container will make the paint last longer.
All paint should be kept out of direct sunlight and in a place that's temperature controlled, ideally between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. While the garage is a popular spot to stow cans away, paint can freeze so reconsider if you experience harsh winters where you live.
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.
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.
"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.
While it differs from room to room due to varying degrees of traffic and usage, the general rule is you should repaint your house interior every 3-5 years. Keep in mind that not every household is the same. Maybe you rarely use your dining room except for the holidays.
Once your toddler is pretty comfortable with how paint works and how to spread paint around using a paint brush you can start painting in a more traditional way: with various colors in paint pots or on a pallet or plate and paper or another surface for them to paint on. This could be at around 2 or even 3 years old.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.