How to Store Paint

It is important to properly store left over paint for future use and touchups.

Location

You want to store your paint in a cool area. The storage area should not allow the paint to freeze. Many people store paint in attics or outside sheds. This is not an ideal location due to the freezing potential. You also do not want to store the paint in direct sunlight, or next to a furnace or water heater.

Storing Paint Cans

Before sealing the lid back onto the paint can, first clean the paint can lip to remove any excessive paint. You can punch a small nail hole into the lip to help paint drain back into the can. This will help keep the lip clean. Also make sure a bit of the paint is on the outside of the can so that in the future you can easily identify the color.

Next take some plastic wrap and drape it over the paint can top. Press the paint can lid down onto the can and tap down on the lid with a hammer (rubber head hammer if you have one). The lid will force the plastic wrap into the paint can groove creating a nice tight seal.

Be sure to use a permanent marker to write on the can where the paint was used (kids bedroom, kitchen, etc). It is also a good ides to write the can the color code and date purchased.

Finally store the can upside down

Touch up painting

You may want to put a small quantity of the left over paint into a small bottle or jar and label it as described with a paint can. If you ever need to do a touchup, you can use the small container instead of breaking out the can. Air is a paints enemy so be sure to fill the jar completely and then place some plastic wrap over the jar before applying the lid. If you do use a small jar with twist on cap, first apply some petroleum jelly to the threads to help remove the lid in the future.

Opening cans and jars of paint

To open a can of paint use a specialty tool call a key that hooks under the paint cans lid edge without distorting it. This tool can be found at paint and hardware stores.

You can use a rubber jar grip to help open your touch up paint jars. If the lid is stuck, tap it lightly with the fat end of a screwdriver to break the seal.