Painting - Paint life

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Godzilla
12-07-05, 01:51 PM
Can somebody tell me how long paint in the can lasts. I bought some exterior paint this summer and plan on using the 4 unopened cans next summer. How long can this paint last in an unopened can? Also how about paint in a can that has already been opened? I have some paint left from about 3 years ago that has been opened that I plan using soon. :D
Thanks

pushylady
12-07-05, 06:17 PM
If they're unopened, they'll be fine even for a couple of years. Obviously stir them really well before using, or better yet, take them to the paint store and ask them to shake them up. If they're stored in a temperature consistent environment and the lid is on good, you shouldn't have any problems.
marksr
12-07-05, 06:17 PM
I have had some paint for years that was still good. I've had others that went bad a month after opening. Your unopened gallons should be fine. The opened gal will depend on how well it was sealed.

If the paint is latex PROTECT IT FROM FREEZING

Godzilla
12-14-05, 08:25 AM
Thanks for the quick response.

Markser-- How do you know when paint is going bad? :D
slickshift
12-14-05, 10:36 AM
...How do you know when paint is going bad?
It depends on the paint
It often is very obvious when you open the can
It can smell and look real bad, won't mix well, lumpy, etc...

If it's more subtle you might not know till you spread it
marksr
12-14-05, 10:58 AM
If the paint is thick or doesn't mix well are the 2 biggest indicators. You can use paint that STINKS, it will still adhere and apply well but if you have to use much of it you will wish you didn't :eek:
Annette
12-15-05, 12:19 PM
is the gray/black stuff, that i've seen on the surface of an old 1/2 used can of paint, mold or mildew??? or just dark tint that's separated & floated to the top (like i convinced myself!)

:confused:
slickshift
12-15-05, 01:00 PM
is the gray/black stuff, that i've seen on the surface of an old 1/2 used can of paint, mold or mildew??? or just dark tint that's separated & floated to the top (like i convinced myself!)

:confused:
lol
It's probably mold
slickshift
12-15-05, 01:06 PM
...actually, w/o seeing it I shouldn't say that
It could be normal separation for that color/type-of-paint
Annette
12-15-05, 01:17 PM
i can't even remember exactly what kind of paint it was, or color, or what i used it on, but i do remember thinking, "ew.....hmmmm....maybe if i just mix it all together real well....." and i've never noticed any painted surface inside or out becoming moldy, so i guess it either wasn't mold or it was killed somehow in the painting process! :o :rolleyes:
marksr
12-15-05, 05:25 PM
I have always assumed that it was just the ingrediants in the paint seperating. I have seen it on freshly opened paint that wasn't shook so I doubt that it is mold.