Learn to Store Paint Properly during Winter

When you finish a paint job, you’re probably going to have a little bit of paint left over in your cans. You don’t want to get rid of this paint since that is wasteful. Plus, it’s good to have some paint from the original can on hand in case you need to do some touch-ups. The best option is to store it.

You need to store paint properly, especially during cold, moist weather that is common in winter, if you want to use it again. It doesn’t help that paint usually gets stored in places that are more exposed to the weather, such as garages and attics.

Here are some quick tips to make your paint winter-proof.

Be Careful Where You Store Paint

Paint should be in a location where it is between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperatures are bad for paint. If your paint freezes when you store it, you probably won’t be able to use it properly even when it thaws. That’s because frozen paint separates and is very hard to remix consistently. 

You don’t have to worry as much in the summer, but in the winter, store paint somewhere warmer. Garages and sheds are a bad idea if you live in a climate with cold winters because they are unheated. Basements and storage closets are a better call because the heat from your house makes these areas a safe temperature for paint.

Reseal the Lid Properly

Resealing the lid is important for storing paint in any weather. It is very important in winter, when moisture can seep into the paint and affect the texture. 

Remove any dried or congealed paint from the edge of the rim which might affect the seal between the lid and the can. Secure the lid tightly. For maximum tightness, some experts recommend running a sheet of plastic wrap over the opening of the paint can and placing the lid over it. Then, use a mallet to tap the lid in place. 

Store the Can Upside Down

When preparing your paint cans for winter storage, one simple trick can make the seal between the lid and the can be even tighter. All you have to do is turn the paint cans upside down and let gravity do the work.

Turning the cans upside down strengthens the seal between the lid and the can itself. It creates an air-tight lock that ensures no moisture will get into the cans or seep in between the lid and the can. 

Obviously, gravity can also work against you in this situation, as you don’t want to come back in the spring and find out that all your paint leaked out. That’s yet another reason why tightly sealing your paint cans is important. You can always put the cans in a plastic bin or on a tarp to minimize damage.

Storing properly sealed paint cans in a temperature-controlled environment can help all of your supplies make it through the winter.