Tips for Storing Your Leftover Paint

Hiring a professional painter is always more convenient than attempting the project on your own. If you need painting done, getting all of the supplies, primers paint colors and brushes ready is a task in and of itself. After that, you have the huge project of completing the actual painting. A professional, on the other hand, can get the job done effectively and efficiently with excellent results and no mess. Whether you or a painter takes on the job, however, you may be faced with the task of storing paint after the job is done. Follow these tips to ensure yours doesn’t dry out.
 
Keep It In a Jar
 
If you have some old jars available, pouring your leftover paint into them can offer a great storage solution. A glass jar can keep the paint fresher for longer, so there’s no need to worry about whether you are storing paint the right way when they are in a jar. Be sure to close the lid tightly and store them in a secure place in order to ensure they aren’t broken or exposed to air.
 
Ensure a Tight Seal
 
Whether you choose to transfer paint to a jar or keep it in its original container, it’s essential that you maintain the integrity of the seal. In order to do so, you should twist the lid tightly, in the case of a jar, or firmly pound the lid closed, in the case of a container. For the latter, you should use a rubber mallet instead of a hammer so that you do not deform the shape of the rim and compromise the seal. This can allow air to enter and dry out the paint.
 
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
 
One of the most basic principles for storing paint is keeping it in a cool place with moderate temperatures. If paint gets too hot, it can separate and become unusable. Similarly, paint that gets too cold is liable to crystalize or freeze.