It's a smart idea to repurpose leftover paint. Since we all know how paint deteriorates after a few years, you should be cautious and look out for signs if your leftover paint has gone bad since the day of storage. Certain precautions need to be taken, in order to retain paint for a longer period of time. You might come across unseen mildew growing on top or a sour odor when you first open the paint can, these are probably signs that confirm you need to get yourself new paint. Let our local painters lead the way and complete the job using the highest quality paint material.
Below are the 5 easy signs that will help you recognize if your leftover paint has gone bad.
GELLING
If you recognize your leftover paint has thickened to a gel-like consistency, it is most likely spoiled and cannot be utilized again. One of the main reasons is because of the bacteria that has entered and ruined your paint completely.
Recommendation: Do not use.
Precaution: Use safe and clean tools to mix the paint consistency. Always use clean water if mixing more than one type of paint.
FOUL SMELL
Have you noticed an unusual odor emanating from your leftover paint? That is a sure sign that the paint has worsened. Few may even have mildew growing on the top. In either case, if something doesn't feel right, you must discard it.
Recommendation: Discard it right away.
Precaution: Ensure that paint tins are firmly sealed and maintained at room temperature rather than being exposed to high temperatures.
DRIED OUT
Sometimes when your paint has been laid out for a long time, the paint in between and on top may have dried out. If a fermented film forms on the upper end and a paint thinner has no impact on it, it's time to purchase another paint can.
Recommendation: Purchase new paint.
Precaution: Use high-quality paint and the right tool to stir the paint.
OVERLY LUMPY PAINT
If the texture of paint has a thick lumpy layer, stir it a few times and the solid chunks should disappear. If the chunks remain hard, it is because they have been exposed to contamination and may have frozen.
Recommendation: If adding water to the chunk and stirring continuously does not produce results, do not use it.
Precaution: Do not expose it to dry air.
EXPIRED
If none of the above signs are present, look for the last use date on the bottom of the paint tin to see if the due date has passed, also referred to as the expiration date. Paint solvents have a shelf life of 3 to 15 years on average.
Recommendation: Look for numbers at the can's bottom.
Precaution: Avail it before the due date.
HERE'S A CHART WITH BROAD ESTIMATES OF HOW LONG PAINT LASTS BY TYPE.
TYPE OF PAINT AVERAGE LIFE SPAN
Water-based latex paint 2 - 10 years
Acrylic paint 2 - 15 years
Limewash paint 5 - 10 years
Chalk paint 1 - 5 years
Premixed milk paint 1 - 2 years
Powdered milk paint1 1- 7 days
If you are planning to paint your house, contact the Exterior Painting Company In Simsbury, CT
