How To Store Leftover Paint So It Can Last Until You Need It

"Did you know that even the way that you open a paint can can affect the lifespan of leftover paint? Avoiding air entering the paint can is the biggest hurdle when it comes to storing leftover paint properly. There are ways to avoid this so that your leftover paint can last until you need it. Watch to find out how these tips can help you improve the likelihood that your paint will last a long time.
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[@stevec9669]

Instead of pouring the leftover into a smaller container, I just put a clear plastic film over the surface of the leftover paint. It minimizes the paint/air contact to prevent the paint from drying. Works well.

[@velcroman11]

What do you mean. “Put a clear plastic film over the surface.”? Please detail your idea, it sounds interesting.

[@stevec9669]

​@@velcroman11 “clear plastic film” such as a clear plastic wrap used for leftover food, for example. It can be any plastic film. A plastic grocery bag will work too. The plastic is better to be soft and not too thick so that it can fold easily at the transition from the surface of the leftover paint to wall (inside) of the can, so that the plastic film continues onto the wall of the can without any air gap trapped in between.

[@joeskis]

Well that would mean you'd have to transport it around carefully and you can't really shake the can without having a clump of plastic somewhere inside.

[@Stashmo]

Sounds impractical and messy.

[@tonyb83]

I like the 'masking tape pourer'. To save pouring left over paint into a smaller tin to reduce contact with air, I leave the left over paint in its original tin and put plastic film on top of the paint. Better still I cut out a circle of cardboard the same diameter as the tin, wrap it in plastic kitchen film and put that on top of the left over paint in the tin to keep the air in the sealed tin away from the paint. Feel free to add that idea to your video. All the best Tony.

[@JustJereInCalif]

Ron: you are articulate and well-spoken. You are obviously well-educated, too. It was a pleasure listening to your informative and infinitely useful presentation. Thanks!

[@wayne3754]

When you have your paint mixed, have the attendant print you a couple of extra formula labels to put in a note book, and put a piece of clear packing tape over the label on the lid.

[@spelunkerd]

Well explained, with good ideas. Leftover paint left in the can forms a peel of hard paint on top. To stop that, over the past few years I've been placing Saran wrap over top of the paint, so there is a physical boundary between the top layer of paint and the air above. When it comes time to reuse the remaining paint, I lift the Saran wrap off and there is no dry layer of paint on top (and fewer flakes of dried paint to contaminate the remainder). Works great.

[@1starshot]

Turn the paint tin upside down when storing so skin & air gap will be on bottom when reopening. We used to ask hotel receptionists if they had an old spare stocking or panty hose when decorating hotels, it served 2 purposes, they're great for straining paint through for really fine, lump & dust free paint especially when opening old pre-used tins but most of all it gave you a chance to chat up the girls behind reception for a date :) worked most of the time.

[@ts-eu6mp]

How cool are these tools?! Ron has been doing this since before he was born! Appreciate him very much! If you don't have one-here's hot to make one-and just like that, boom, a bit of tape, the right color and why-twist, fold, and bra-ca-dabra- Hazelton does it again! Thank you, Ron! TS

[@kevinklei3005]

Another tip from down under in Australia . 1; mark the can with a "V" with the top of the "V" on the lid and continue the rest of the "V" down the sides . just line up the "V" when replacing the lid to the other 2 marks down the side. This way the lid should always be in the same location . Tip 2 spend a bit if time making a lot wider lid removal tool I have one for smaller cans and another for the larger cans that gives me a lot wider radius area of contact to engage the lid and prevent the problem you highlighted you get with a narrow screw driver type removal tool.

[@tmeinc]

The information on keeping the sealing surfaces clean is great. Keeping air out is not important. Keeping oxygen out is very important. When ready to close the can take a deep breath and hold it as long as comfortable. Exhale into the can and quickly turn away to inhale. This puts CO2 rich air into the can. Seal CO2 in and your paint will last indefinitely. You can also use a CO2 cartridge in a bike tire tool or drink carbonated. The ball bearings don’t sound like a good idea because they can rust in latex paint which will always have entrained oxygen. Marbles, however, do sound like a good idea.

[@rosc2022]

About the yellow pour spout that wasn't a full circle: You can also use it on quart can, you'll just need to muscle it around the smaller curve. This is very good to know.

[@paddlepedal4780]

Instead of using a rubber mallet to hammer down the lid, I've been using a length of 2x4 (about 20" long) to press the lid down. Put the can on the floor, set the lid in place, hold the 2x4 at each end and press lid into place as you work it around the perimeter. I find I have more control and do less damage to the can and lid.

[@ultraali453]

This video is pure gold! The tips are very useful, and I really appreciate that you included alternatives.

[@ChechiDLR]

Love the concise info.

[@anthonymiley188]

Well and precisely presented. These products should be in every do-it-yourself store.

[@AlanScottDavies1957]

Excellent tutorial - looks so obvious when an expert tells you about it. Many thanks.

[@boyibolomi2086]

OMG, you gave away so many good tips. Thank you deeply.

[@lillybell6024]

I always put left over paint in a mason jar, label it and keep it in a closet of the room it belongs too. Easy touch ups. Thanks for sharing

[@utubewillyman]

So glad Ron is still sharing his skills. I used to watch him on TV but he disappeared from my lineup at some point.

[@gregarmstrong4653]

store paint upside down, this way, all the gravity sinks to the bottom, and magically seals the can. not sure this works in Australia though.

[@KaioStryker]

Love this. Thanks as always Ron.

[@mrskravitz1]

I learn something new everyday! Thankyou!😊

[@luxman9463]

Always bringing the useful content!

[@tomgorman748]

Great tips. I always try to keep the paint can as clean as possible, but sometimes I get a little lazy, especially when I’m in a hurry. I like the idea of transferring to a smaller container when you have less than a half a gallon left for long term storage. And I learned the labeling lesson after painting my whole house after moving in. Trying to remember which can was for which room was really annoying.

[@jalexander305]

I’m freaking out because I’m on a lunch break from painting my mother in laws house and I was just thinking about storing paint. I don’t know whether it’s luck or creepy Siri is listening.

[@gilbertknight6617]

Ron the man to the rescue 😉

[@michaelosmon]

My mind defaults to the latter

[@SamKGrove]

I transfer leftover paint into emptied and rinsed Clorox jugs. Smear paint on the outside and write note on them with a marker.

[@robertthomas6127]

Great advice .... I know because I have been doing much of it for the greater part of my life. In addition I have a recomendation. After preparing the can properly for storage as shown here I lay out an old newspaper, piece of cardbord or such and set the can on it upside down for a day or two to be sure that it is sealed properly. When verified, I store the can upside down until I need it again. With that the air is then actually then in the bottom of the can and can be reopend and used for years. Any skin buildup is now at the bottom of the can. I have been doing it this way for at least 40 years and it has always been sucessful until now. Clean preparation is a must. If you are a sloppy worker I would not recommend this for you. Happy painting.

[@mryan4452]

Genius... but risky!

[@robertthomas6127]

@@mryan4452 .... Not at all as long as one prepares the can and lid properly. There is no room for working unclean here.

[@diverdave4056]

come on now ... seal up the paint can and store it upside down ! if you decide to put the paint in a smaller container - make sure to put a complete description of the brand name - color and sheen of the paint !

[@mnmi2248]

Thank you very much for posting this video for all of us. So helpful!!

[@savannamc407]

Absolutely phenomenal video!! I love this. I seriously was beside myself when the squeegee and pouring spout was introduced. I cannot believe I had no idea theses even existed. But more so, I love the tape idea if you don't have a spout. I just learned so much, thank you!! And Ron, you're awesome.

[@lmcsquaredgreendale3223]

Great ideas thank you. I do love that Wipe it Paint Squeegee and the tape best. I've dealt with the other vinyl pouring solutions but I have found that as I paint on my own (I have 2 apartments I lease) the paint on the inside of the can dries or thickens especially when I am cutting in. Both the squeegee and the tape make a lot more sense for me because my house is over 130 years old and I am cutting in around a lot of wood trim. It is beautiful but a pain in the ass and I take my time or I ruin the finish on the wood trim. Love the ball bearings but I would worry that they wood rust over time. I like the marbles idea so I will look into that.

[@heatherwolfe329]

The marble idea is awesome, thank you! :)

[@drizler]

Oh I like the ball bearings. / marbles idea. That’s slick. I remember now my father painting cars back in the 70s with metallic . He tossed a couple marbles in the paint gun to keep it stirred up.

[@KaylaBuhdayla]

Cool! Thanks for the video!!

[@dedethom9]

Great info. Thanks

[@fransmurati2370]

Nice snd concise presentation; Poormans tip: Use an old paint lid, make 2 holes in lid to pour paint, hole in bottom and oppisite side of lid, when done replace the original lid.

[@barbaracodner2504]

Great tips!! Thanks for posting.

[@gilbertknight6617]

Great tips Thank you very much 🙏 for the useful info

[@martinalbert5653]

Well done. Thank You.

[@edymoss3466]

Great video and really great tips I especially like the masking tape pour spout trick Really good idea thanks for sharing

[@jimirayo]

Excellent info indeed! I need to get me that paint squeegee.

[@fredparsons5134]

Great painting tips!

[@johndufford5561]

Very helpful & clear. Thank you, Sir.

[@debstokes7439]

I appreciate the info!!! 😊

[@joequillun7790]

Excellent tips. Thanks.

[@patmat.]

Awesome tips, video saved.

[@thomask4836]

This was very informative! Thank You Sir!

[@lovewenwin]

Thank you 👍🏾

[@kerrygleeson4409]

Totally correct thanks for sharing your knowledge 🦘

[@jameskoh2945]

Excellent tips.

[@weirdworld4261]

Thanks

[@frunomaol5069]

Some good tips there, thank you.

[@craighellberg4366]

Great advice.

[@darrenharris6319]

great tips thankyou

[@cynthiaewing6584]

Thank you! Fantastically informative video!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@IRDeezlSmoke]

I notice most all of these videos never pour a full can of paint. It's always easier to pour from a half can than a full one.

[@dc5duben96]

lots of good tips!

[@barryparks8055]

Great ideas. Thanks

[@jayneela3077]

Really great tips. Thanks. 👍

[@rehetzelprdxyw3317]

All good tips. One more which I have found to help with paint stored over long periods is to tip the can upside down for a few seconds before storing it away (right side up). The film of paint around the lid seals any small gaps where the rim may have been damaged.

[@mryan4452]

Simple practical tip 💪 thanks

[@teslarex]

Great tips

[@robertpanetta7912]

Good tips especially the ball bearings

[@beerbandit291]

Since I lost my marbles I often forget to clean my rim.

[@americafirst2785]

You break stay out of the beer joint with that rim,buddy.

[@williamphillipson548]

brilliant...very useful tips //Thanks

[@royster3345]

I found water based paint would rust the lid and rim, so I now place a plastic carrier bag on the can then apply the lid. You simply trim off the excess plastic then.

[@thelotteryguycash3mississi661]

Very good video video thank you very much . All this information will help me on all my honey due list

[@steven.h0629]

Good tips!

[@terrystephens1102]

Thanks for some very useful tips 😁👌👌👏👏👏

[@mikefitzgerald4278]

Thank you Ron! Great video👍 Mike Fitzgerald Calgary Canada 🇨🇦

[@mhub3576]

As for the environment in which you store paint, do not leave it anywhere it might freeze. Once its been frozen its done for good. Here in MN this is a real concern for anyone thinking of storing their paint in an unheated garage.

[@johnburns2940]

You Da MAN!! Thanks!! 🙏😊

[@jsmcguireIII]

Thanks Ron. When can you come over get my paints in order?

[@petroflorence7962]

I also use cling wrap to seal then lid on

[@robertthomas6127]

I just recalled another thing that I have been using for decades. I keep jars (generally from intant coffee... Maxwell or so) and pour used fluids (mostly terpintine) that are used as thinners, brush clearners and so forth for reuse into them (Not Mixed, but Seperate jars of course!) The paint will settle to the bottom of the glass and the used fluid will swim on top. Every so often I empty as much of the used fluid that is now semi clear into a second jar (filter it through a clean rag) and store it for further use to clean brushes or wipe down a surface that needs to be cleaned before painting or possibly degreased. I wouldn't necesssarily recommend it for thinning new paint to paint a new surface though, but if one wants to try it at their own risk 🤷‍♂..I have used this for diverse thinners and brush cleaning substances for decades with success and reduced the amount I had to buy of at least 50-75%. I'd rather use the saved money for good quality brushes and rollers IMO. I started this to recycle roughly 40 years ago (when no one was even talking about doing so) and found it to be worth the little additional effort as well as not having to dispose of those substances in fluid form. Back then we didn't have the possibilities we have today to bring them some where. Just be sure to always close the jar tight so that the fluid does not evaporate and you can store the fluid of a longer time. One more Idea..you have paint to dispose of? Keep your sawdust, add it to the paint, let it harden and through it away. 👍

[@gweggslist4460]

Great tips here.. I used to store paint in my heated garage but the metal cans always rust so I started keeping them in my basement furnace room which seems to work well. I know the moisture in the air causes the cans to rust but is there a cheap solution to preventing the cans from rusting? I may try wiping them down with WD40 or some type of oil or spray some type of dry sealer?

[@stucook9587]

Looked all over for Ron's tools in the UK but cannot find them

[@BartAppleseed]

Woah Father Fish is very talented

[@mikmop]

What I do to create a spout is take a small pill bottle with a screw on lid and glue it to the lid of the pain can. I then drill a hole in that and this becomes my spout with a screw on air-tight lid.

[@j.d.1488]

Old man always stressed to keep can lid channels clean as well as cover rim. Still with me today.

[@thepoopsoup]

I always use canning jars A plus

[@horaciocastillo1435]

Thanks for this interesting video. I will like to know where can I find those plastic items shown here and the name of each one of the two he used in this video. Thanks in advance to anyone who can answer this question to me. Thanks

[@patmash]

No need to clean can rims with the new Behr pain cans from HD. Best paint AND cans to date.

[@normstavin6290]

Ron ..invented and prototyped plastic lip spout in 1973-4 . My agent at time discouraging pursuing Norm

[@stucook9587]

Looked all over for Jim's tools in the UK but cannot find them

[@pamelah6431]

The pouring spouts I bought do not fit in Pittsburgh paint cans - the round one that goes inside doesn't fit, and the one that snaps on top of the can doesn't, either. Going to have to switch to the paint tape method or change brands.

[@darrennew8211]

I really could have used this advice back then. :-)

[@grom7826]

I put a plastic bag over my used paint. I like the marble idea, especially with my air-operated paint can shaker.

[@MHS_ART]

Omg you live a hour in a half away from me!! I live in griswold!! Wowwww

[@dtm8073]

I put my leftover paint in glass Mason jars, works awesome!

[@robertthomas6127]

My whole adult life I have cleaned jars from Jam, mustard, pickels and so on in different sizes just for such purposes. Sealing them tight and storing them on their head as I explained above enables me to not only store the content long, but to always easly tell what paint, stain or other substance is in the jar should the label no longer be readable. It is also so much eaiser to see what condition it is in and dispose of it when it is obviously no longer good.

[@piper0428]

Don’t leave outside, temperature will affect it. Place can inside plastic bag (sealed) during storage.

[@the_realJP_]

Hey Ron thanks for the great tips! Would you be willing to adopt me?? 😅

[@altemose_prime]

These are some great ideas. You would think paint companies would come up with something. Not like the little screw cap in the middle of the lid. Wonder what genius came up with that. 😂😂😂😂

[@davidfalconer8913]

Excellent tips ! .... one more ? ..... add a small amount of the CORRECT thinner / solvent to the paint before sealing and store in a COOL place , like the basement ? ... ( sheds and barns can get VERY hot in the summer ! ) hopefully your paint should last for YEARS ! ..( tried - n - tested ) ...... DAVE™ .................

[@bobmac9070]

Well that’s all good however anytime you have a metal container that comes in contact with paint, moisture or air….you have a environment for rust from the inside out on metal cans and lid with almost never come off or be destroyed trying to do so. The best solution…. But paint the comes in the newer plastic container s, non rust proof! Any used paint put in smaller plastic jars or containers. It will last a lot longer than metal.

[@RT-eb6vo]

It's like I've just watched a 60 minutes documentary ;)

[@Guardducks]

Why the bearings ?

[@Engineer9736]

Jesus... he explains that literally in the next shot

[@jeffreystorer4966]

Always tip paint out on side opposite the product information,a dry brush will clean out gutter of tin

[@age_of_reason]

A dry brush is the best method.

[@manuelaffonso2191]

Now I have to go get me half a dozen ball bearings/marbles. 🤔

[@nexpro6985]

You should always shake until you can't hear the ball bearings anymore.

[@harry130747]

You missed the important one. Store the cans upside down. This seals the lid, also when you open the can you are presented with fresh paint,not a hard skin (even if there is one.)

[@woodstover]

The hard skin will be on the bottom now, you haven't really fixed the problem.