How many years does it take for paint to go bad?

Author: Johnpaul Johnston  |  Last update: Thursday, September 25, 2025

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.

How to tell if paint has gone 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.

Is 7 year old paint ok to use?

Latex-based paint can go bad, but it takes a while. You'll probably be able to keep it for up to ten years, with a few caveats. The biggest factor influencing latex paint's shelf life is if the can has ever been opened. If the paint is unused, you'll get more life from it.

Can I use paint that is 3 years old?

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.

Is 20 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.

Ask a HomCo Expert: Does paint go bad?

How to tell if paint is good?

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.

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.

Can expired paint be used?

"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.

How long does Sherwin Williams paint last?

“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.

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 know if paint is safe?

So, if you notice a rancid smell, you must dispose of the paint. Consistency: paint develops a jelly-like and lumpy texture when it expires. So, when you open your paint tins, mix them with a stirring stick. If you find lumps in your paint, it's not useable, and you need to get rid of it.

How often should you paint your walls?

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.

Can you touch up a wall with the same paint?

3. Use the Same Color Paint. When touching up your walls, make sure you use the same brand, color, and type of paint you used in the beginning. Failing to do this will result in a noticeable disparity between the touch-up area and the rest of the wall.

Is watery paint ok to use?

The bottom line is that watery paint is unusable. So if your paint is too watery and you attempt to use it to paint your home, you will notice that the paint won't adhere to surface correctly. It will be 'thin' and therefore will perform poorer than expected.

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.

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 brand of paint lasts the longest?

Sherwin-Williams Duration stands out as the longest-lasting exterior paint brand on the market, earning top spots in Consumer Reports for its durability.

Why do painters prefer Sherwin-Williams paint?

Many contractors are impressed by the fact that Sherwin-Williams has more than 140 years of experience behind them, which means they've had a long time to perfect what they do. And they've done it well, as they are among the most trusted suppliers of quality paints in the industry.

What is the lifetime warranty on paint?

The lifetime warranty guarantees that the paint will not: blister from properly prepared and primed surfaces, peel from properly prepared and primed surfaces, and. wear down or weather to expose the previously painted surface.

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.

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.

Is 7 year old paint still good?

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.

Do it yourself Rhino Shield?

No. The Rhino Shield system must be installed by a Rhino Shield dealer applicator. They have received extensive training on how to prepare a building for Rhino Shield and also how to apply the product correctly.

Is Rhino Shield better than paint?

Rhino Shield is a valuable, long-term investment for your home that saves you time and money compared to houses with traditional latex exterior paint. Homes with traditional latex paint typically need to be repainted every 3 to 5 years, or every 3 years if it has masonite or LP siding.

Can you use paint from 10 years ago?

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.

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