What happens if you use old paint on walls?

Author: Hunter Corkery  |  Last update: Monday, February 16, 2026

What happens if you use expired paint? If the paint has a bad smell, you'll be adding that odor to your walls. In addition, expired paint will not provide even color coverage, the finish may not be smooth, and the paint is more likely to crack or chip.

What happens if you use expired paint on walls?

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.

Can you use old paint on walls?

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. "The product might be too thick to apply, and not flow and level to an even finish," says Edrosa. Skinning is another concern with older paint.

How do I know if paint has gone bad?

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.

Is it safe to use 20 year old 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.

Reusing Old Paint | DIY Tip

How do you know if paint is OK?

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.

Can you use paint that has gone thick?

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.

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 bad paint?

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.

Does paint go bad if not used?

Yes, it can. Over time, paint can dry out, separate, or develop a thickened consistency if not stored properly. It's best to seal the container tightly and store it in a cool, dry place to extend its shelf life.

Is paint still good if separated?

Separated solutions. If your paint has separated into semi-transparent and opaque liquids, try stirring it to see if it comes back together. Wait a few minutes. If your paint reseparates quickly, you'll know it's no longer good to use because the solvent and pigment won't work together to properly stick to the wall.

Does out of date paint smell?

However, before you dispose of your old paint, open the container and give it a sniff. If it doesn't smell like fresh paint and has a sort of sour smell then it's on its way out. If this is the case, get rid of it.

What is the lifespan of wall paint?

How many years is interior paint for house good for? Interior wall paint typically lasts around 5-10 years. The lifespan is influenced by factors like paint quality, usage, and environmental conditions.

What does bad paint smell like?

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.

Can I use paint that is 10 years old?

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.

Can paint have mold in it?

Paint cans that aren't sealed correctly or that sit in damp, humid spots can easily become magnets for unwanted mold growth. You might be surprised to learn that the very ingredients in your paint can actually nourish mold spores.

How to get rid of rancid paint smell on walls?

Baking soda

Baking soda is magic. It naturally absorbs smells, so it's helpful in places like your fridge. If you want to use it to cut down on paint smells, pour it onto several plates and scatter them throughout the room. Leave it overnight and then throw it away in the morning.

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.

How do I activate old paint?

Add Warm Water

Adding a few drops of warm water is a quick fix for dry paints.

Can wall paint go bad?

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.

Why is my wall paint so thick?

Thanks to its easy clean-up and short drying time, latex paint has a leg up over oil-based paint for easy weekend projects. But the water-based product also has a downside: It tends to thicken when stored without an airtight seal, at below-freezing temperatures, or for an extended period of time.

What is the brown liquid in paint cans?

This brown liquid is probably linseed oil . and harmless,store ALL your paint tins upside down to prevent skin forming on top,turning it over before opening will give you fresh clean paint to start using.

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