Understanding the Lifespan of Paint: How Long Does it Last?

Before you use old paint, it’s vital to understand how long it lasts. This knowledge is essential if you plan on using paint that has been stored in opened cans for a while.

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Specialty paints, like milk and chalk paint, have a shorter shelf life. The tables below display the duration paint can last under proper storage conditions.

Unopened Lifespan

Paint Type
Duration (Unopened)

Oil-based paint	up to 15 years
Water-based paint	up to 10 years
Chalk paint	up to 5 years
Milk paint unmixed	up to 2 years

Opened Lifespan

Paint Type Opened Lifespan

Oil-based paint up to 10 years

Water-based paint up to 7 years

Chalk paint up to 2 years

Milk paint mixed up to 7 days

Reseal the container to extend the life of paint. Airtight storage in a climate-controlled environment increases longevity.

Different Types of Paint

There are two types of paint: water-based and oil-based.

Oil-Based Paint:

– Uses natural oils or synthetic oil like alkyd for binders and pigment.

– Has a longer shelf life due to the use of solvents, but water-based paints are more commonly used because they are less toxic.

– Resists scratches, fingerprints, stains, and dings. It forms a hard enamel when dry, making it ideal for interior and exterior surfaces with heavy traffic, such as doors, entryways, and window frames.

Water-based paints use water as the carrier for pigments and binders. This type of paint has fewer fumes, is less toxic, and dries faster than oil-based paint.

Most household paint is water-based.

Acrylic latex is the main ingredient of latex paint. It provides a seal on surfaces and is resistant to mold and mildew. It is a popular choice for interior and exterior walls.

Latex paint is made of water and has few toxins, making it an eco-friendly paint choice. However, latex paints are more susceptible to freezing and require storage in a climate-controlled environment.

Acrylic paint is another type of water-based paint.

This versatile paint is perfect for interior and exterior jobs. Apply acrylic paints to glass, plastic, metal, stone, fabric, and leather. Chalk paint is latex-based with a fine powder additive that provides a matte, chalky finish.

This decorative paint is used on furniture, wood, and metal because it creates an aged look on surfaces. Milk paint, on the other hand, is a dry mix of milk protein, clay, limestone, and pigments. It is an eco-friendly and 100 percent natural interior paint. However, it spoils faster than other brands due to its natural milk proteins.

Once mixed, it lasts for up to seven days. So, what makes paint go bad?

Several factors cause opened cans of paint to spoil within months. Bacterial contamination leads to foul odor, mold, and clumping. Extra care can prolong the lifespan of used paint for several years.

If paint smells, it’s best to throw it out as the smell can linger on walls and worsen over time. For mold, you can try skimming it off and stirring the paint to see if it will regain a good consistency.

Extreme Heat:

Heat exposure can change paint’s chemical composition, preventing it from bonding to surfaces. It also dries out the paint to the point of no return. If paint develops a thin film due to heat, remove it and mix the paint.

Apply it to a test area to see if it adheres.

Freezing Temperatures:

Water-based paints are more susceptible to freezing than oil-based paints. Frozen paint can form lumps that may be breakable by stirring.

Tips On Storing Paint

Leftover paint can last for many years if stored properly. The main reason paint goes bad is exposure to air. Sealing the paint after opening it can extend its lifespan to five years or more.

To seal an opened paint can, lay plastic wrap over the can and then tamp the lid with a plastic mallet to avoid dents.

If your old paint can is damaged or has dried paint around the lid, you can purchase a new empty paint can from hardware stores.

Another way to preserve paint is to minimize its exposure to bacteria. Use a clean paint stick for stirring and handle paint cans with gloves when opening and closing the lid.

Once you have sealed your leftover paint, store it in a location that will not experience extreme temperatures.

If your garage does not have climate control, store it inside your home. An interior closet or under the sink are good options.

Does paint go bad?

Paint shelf life varies by type. Cans have an expiration date printed on them from the manufacturer, but the paint can last past the expiration date if properly stored.

How long does paint last in cans?

Storing paint in its original manufacturer cans is recommended. An unopened can of water-based paint can last up to ten years, while oil-based paint can keep for up to fifteen years.

Once paint is poured into a bucket, its shelf life decreases. If the bucket has a lid, the paint can last several months if stored in a climate-controlled location.

Old paint can still be used if it doesn’t smell, have mold, become lumpy, is too thick, or is separated. Stirring old paints back to life and painting a test spot can determine if they will adhere to the surface.

Acrylic paint has a shelf life of about ten years if unopened. Opened cans that are airtight can last for about five years.

In conclusion, proper paint storage is important to maximize its shelf life.

Unopened and opened paint cans can last a long time when stored properly. Oil-based paints last the longest, up to fifteen years. Water-based paints have a shorter lifespan, but can survive up to ten years in ideal conditions.

To store opened paint, reduce air exposure by resealing it in new empty cans. Harsh temperatures and bacteria exposure can also shorten the lifespan of unused paint.

If your paint is expiring soon, use it for touch-ups, painting old furniture, or crafts.