How long does a gallon of paint last

Opened Paint If the can of paint you want to use is opened, there may still be hope. Article updated August 4, October 29, October 14, October 8, Roofing Report: Slate Roof September 30, Roofing Report: Wood Roof September 23, Roofing Report: Metal Roofs September 16, If you open the paint and it has visible lumps, that does not automatically mean it is bad.

Pour the can through a paint strainer to remove the lumps and then test the paint on some cardboard. Click here for paint strainers on Amazon. While lumps may be okay sometimes, hard solids are not. If your paint has become solid on the bottom of the can and liquid above, it is not usable. It cannot be shaken back into being useable either. At this point, the paint has almost completely separated, and it needs to be disposed of properly. Another way to check your paint is to give it a sniff.

If it smells foul or rancid, then the paint has gone bad. Paint is considered a hazardous material, with different types falling under different classifications. Usually, you can call the town hall or search online for specified collection sites for toxic materials.

Some latex or water-based paints can be disposed of at home, while oil paints must be taken to disposal sites. Lowes does not take old paint. According to their website, due to the varying state laws regarding toxic waste disposal, they cannot accept old paints nor recycle them. Home Depot also does not accept old paint. Similar to Lowes, Home Depot has stores in nearly every state, so complying with local disposal laws is too complicated.

They simply avoid these complications by refusing to accept or recycle paint. Ace Hardware does accept old paint at some locations. Check your local Ace Hardware to see if they specifically will recycle paint. If they do accept or recycle old paint, then there will be a small charge for the service.

Sherwin Williams accepts and recycles oil and latex-based paints, stains, and varnishes. They offer this service at no charge as well.

How long does paint last? A: It might be OK. Depending on whether or not the can was opened, where you stored it, and what kind of paint it is, you may still be able to use it. Unopened cans of paint last for years when stored correctly. Unused latex and water-based acrylic paints last up to 10 years, and the shelf life of alkyd and oil-based can be as long as 15 years. But if you stored the can in the garage or shed where it froze or was exposed to extreme heat, even fully sealed contents could be ruined.

Pry open the can and blend the contents thoroughly with a paint stirrer. Dip a brush in the paint and brush it onto a piece of cardboard. Go ahead and roll that wall.