{"id":11879,"date":"2021-05-19T11:59:58","date_gmt":"2021-05-19T15:59:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/certapro.com\/indianapolis\/?post_type=community&#038;p=11879"},"modified":"2024-12-18T16:39:53","modified_gmt":"2024-12-18T21:39:53","slug":"how-long-does-paint-last","status":"publish","type":"community","link":"https:\/\/certapro.com\/indianapolis\/community\/how-long-does-paint-last\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does Paint Last? A Guide for Homeowners"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When tackling a <a href=\"https:\/\/certapro.com\/indianapolis\/house-painting\/\">home painting project<\/a>, you\u2019re often left with extra paint for touch-ups later. But here\u2019s the thing\u2014paint doesn\u2019t last forever, and keeping it stored in a garage or shed for years might not be ideal. You may even be holding onto expired paint without realizing it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">How can you tell if paint has gone bad? How long can you store it before it\u2019s no longer usable?<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">At CertaPro Painters of Indianapolis, we solve this for our customers by purchasing fresh, high-quality paint for every project. Shelf life is never an issue when you hire us, but <a href=\"https:\/\/certapro.com\/indianapolis\/frequently-asked-questions\/\">many curious homeowners often ask us about paint longevity<\/a>. To help, we\u2019ve drafted this guide to explain how long paint lasts, the signs of expired paint, and tips to store it properly.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 class=\"font-bold text-h4 leading-[30px] pt-[15px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Paint Shelf Life by Type<\/h3>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">The lifespan of paint depends on its type, brand, and how it\u2019s stored. Under good conditions, some paints can last for years, while others have a much shorter shelf life.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Below is a general guideline for paint shelf life when stored without being opened and under proper conditions:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] list-disc [&amp;_ul]:pt-[5px] pt-[5px]\">\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"1\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Latex or Acrylic-Latex Paint<\/strong><\/b>: 2 to 10 years<\/li>\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"2\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Oil-Based Paint<\/strong><\/b>: 2 to 15 years<\/li>\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"3\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Chalk Paint<\/strong><\/b>: 1 to 5 years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 class=\"font-bold text-body leading-[24px] pt-[12px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Latex or Acrylic-Latex Paint<\/h4>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Latex paints typically have a shorter shelf life than oil-based options. Major brands like PPG and Glidden suggest a 2-year lifespan for unopened cans, while Sherwin-Williams and Behr recommend using their paints within 1 year. However, many experts agree that properly stored latex paint can last up to 10 years. Always spot-test older paints before using them.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"font-bold text-body leading-[24px] pt-[12px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Oil-Based Paint<\/h4>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Thanks to the solvents in oil-based paints, they tend to last longer than latex paints. When stored in a cool, dry place and sealed properly, oil-based paint can remain usable for up to 15 years.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"font-bold text-body leading-[24px] pt-[12px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Chalk Paint<\/h4>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Chalk paint is less durable over time. According to most manufacturers, its shelf life is about 1 year. Beyond that, it may thicken and become too difficult to use.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 class=\"font-bold text-h4 leading-[30px] pt-[15px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Signs That Paint Has Expired<\/h3>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Not sure if your paint is still good? Here are some common indicators that it\u2019s time to toss it out and buy a fresh batch.<\/p>\n<ol class=\"pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] [&amp;_ol]:pt-[5px] list-decimal\">\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"1\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Odd Smell<\/strong><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">If your paint smells moldy or mildewy, it\u2019s no longer safe to use. Discard it immediately and purchase a new can.<\/p>\n<ol class=\"pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] [&amp;_ol]:pt-[5px] list-decimal\" start=\"2\">\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"2\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Frozen and Thawed<\/strong><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Repeated freezing and thawing can ruin paint. While some paints might survive a single freeze, the quality and adhesion start deteriorating if this happens multiple times.<\/p>\n<ol class=\"pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] [&amp;_ol]:pt-[5px] list-decimal\" start=\"3\">\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"3\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Lumpy Texture<\/strong><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">If your paint has developed clumps or chunks, it\u2019s beyond repair. Even stirring won\u2019t fix it. Lumpy paint not only applies poorly but also lacks the smooth finish you want.<\/p>\n<ol class=\"pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] [&amp;_ol]:pt-[5px] list-decimal\" start=\"4\">\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"4\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Jellied Consistency<\/strong><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Once paint turns into a jelly-like substance, it\u2019s unusable. Paint should always be a smooth, liquid consistency.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 class=\"font-bold text-h4 leading-[30px] pt-[15px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\" dir=\"ltr\">How to Preserve Paint Like a Pro<\/h3>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Proper storage can significantly extend paint\u2019s shelf life. Here are some tips from our professional painters to help you protect your leftover paint.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] list-disc [&amp;_ul]:pt-[5px] pt-[5px]\">\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"1\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Store in a Cool, Dry Place<\/strong><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Avoid extreme temperatures\u2014both hot and cold. Keep paint indoors in a climate-controlled environment to prevent damage.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] list-disc [&amp;_ul]:pt-[5px] pt-[5px]\">\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"1\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Prevent Contamination<\/strong><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Keep dirt, grass, or leaves away from your paint. Even small impurities can ruin a can.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] list-disc [&amp;_ul]:pt-[5px] pt-[5px]\">\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"1\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Use Airtight Storage<\/strong><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Transfer paint to a durable, sealable plastic container. This prevents rust from contaminating the paint.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"pt-[9px] pb-[2px] pl-[24px] list-disc [&amp;_ul]:pt-[5px] pt-[5px]\">\n<li class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] my-[5px] [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ol]:!pb-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pt-0 [&amp;&gt;ul]:!pb-0\" value=\"1\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Add Plastic Wrap to the Lid<\/strong><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Before sealing the paint, place a sheet of plastic wrap between the lid and the can. Use a rubber mallet\u2014never a hammer\u2014to avoid denting the lid when sealing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">These steps can help your leftover paint last longer, saving you time and money when it\u2019s time for touch-ups.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 class=\"font-bold text-h4 leading-[30px] pt-[15px] pb-[2px] [&amp;_a]:underline-offset-[6px] [&amp;_.underline]:underline-offset-[6px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Want to Simplify Your Painting Job?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">When you hire CertaPro Painters of Indianapolis, we take care of everything, from purchasing freshly mixed paint to ensuring the best application techniques. That means no leftover paint cans cluttering your garage, no worries about expired paint, and no stress about choosing the right colors or finishes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\">Have questions about paint or need help with a painting project? <b><strong class=\"font-bold\">Contact us today for a free estimate and professional assistance.<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"text-body font-regular leading-[24px] pt-[9px] pb-[2px]\" dir=\"ltr\"><b><strong class=\"font-bold\">CertaPro Painters of Indianapolis\u2014because every wall deserves a flawless finish.<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When tackling a home painting project, you\u2019re often left with extra paint for touch-ups later. But here\u2019s the thing\u2014paint doesn\u2019t last forever, and keeping it stored in a garage or shed for years might not be ideal. You may even be holding onto expired paint without realizing it. How can you tell if paint has<a class=\"read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/certapro.com\/indianapolis\/community\/how-long-does-paint-last\/\">Read the full article <em class=\"fa fa-angle-double-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","format":"standard","categories":[44],"tags":[71,166,175,102],"class_list":["post-11879","community","type-community","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-residential-painting","tag-commercial-painters","tag-home-office-painting","tag-paint-color-help","tag-residential-painters"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/certapro.com\/indianapolis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/community\/11879","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/certapro.com\/indianapolis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/community"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/certapro.com\/indianapolis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/community"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/certapro.com\/indianapolis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/certapro.com\/indianapolis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11879"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/certapro.com\/indianapolis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/community\/11879\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/certapro.com\/indianapolis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11879"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/certapro.com\/indianapolis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11879"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/certapro.com\/indianapolis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11879"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}