How To Store Your Leftover Paint at Home

Completing DIY painting projects at home is a fantastic way to unleash your interior design creativity and save money. However, this process often leaves you with excess paint to sit in buckets around your home. Learn how to properly preserve and dispose of old paint with these tips to store leftover paint at home.

Declutter Your Used Paint Cans

The first step to storing paint properly at home is to get rid of any paint cans lying around your house. Old paint buckets take up a ton of space and create an eyesore, even if you store them in a basement or shed. Additionally, storing paint in their old cans can cause it to dry up and become useless for future projects. Start by sorting through your paint cans and disposing of old paint that has dried up or features colors you no longer need.

Create Proper Storage Conditions

Once you have selected the paint colors you still need and wish to store, you need to choose a storage method and prepare your materials. You’ll need a funnel for transferring the paint, labels for recording paint names and details, and containers with air-tight seals, such as canning jars.

You’ll also need to choose a secure spot with the right conditions to store your newly preserved paint. Choose an area at home that is cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight. Wherever you store your paint should maintain a neutral temperature above freezing year-round. If you use glass jars to store your paint, don’t forget to place them in a dark place away from light so it doesn’t affect the paint color.

How To Dispose of Old Paint

Your preserved paints should last much longer than those sitting in old cans. However, the next time you clean and organize your interior paints, you might discover you no longer need some of the colors. You may also have paints you wish to dispose of after your initial declutter. When this happens, it’s crucial to dispose of old paint swiftly and safely. Every municipality might have different instructions and services for paint disposal, so always verify local guidelines and restrictions. Check if absorbed paint is compatible with your waste collection program, or take it to a pickup center at your local hardware store.

Storing and disposing of leftover paint may feel like a hassle, but the convenience of keeping leftover paint at home is well worth it. Now you have all the paints you need for home touch-ups and renovations right where you need them! Remember these tips for safely storing and disposing of leftover paint at home.