Paint Storage for Summer
 

Is it okay to store paint cans and spray paint in the garage during the summer months?

If you are referring to the small cans of spray paint, they will probably be clogged up no matter where you store them. For larger cans, I would suggest that you buy new plastic, screw top paint containers from Lowes or Home Depot. The metal cans will cause the paint to dry out and could also rust and leak onto your garage floor.

I have over 20 one-gallon containers of paint (some from my home, most leftover from jobs) that I've keep in my garage. Never had a problem. Just make sure the lid is on tight.

We were told by a painting contractor not to keep paint in the garage. We store ours in the cabinet above our refrigerator since we seldom need to access it.

I would toss or give away the spray paint. A snowbird-neighbor of mine had an aerosol can of paint split at the seam (that is, explode) during the summer. It was on an shelving unit near his golf cart. To say it was a terrible mess is an understatement.

Wherever you store metal paint cans, they can rust and leak. I would at least place them in some type of plastic tray or storage bin to protect your cabinets and floors. I once had several paint cans stored on shelving in a basement. The bottoms rusted out and the paint ran all over the basement floor. I think that pouring the paint into heavy duty plastic containers is a cleaner and better way to go. My opinion.

I agree with you. We stored paint in the garage. One of the cans rusted badly, and it discolored the paint. Couldn't use it.

I wonder if having it in a climate controlled place would keep rust from happening? With the heat and humidity in our garages I’m not surprised they would deteriorate but I’ve never had any other metal container rust inside the house. What am I missing?

I think the paint itself, if it is water based, creates an environment for rusting. I wonder why paint stores don't use better containers for their paint. They sell the paint in a soft metal can that you need to use a hammer to close it tight. Not good for long term storage.

They will dry out.

more important to record paint codes so store can match mix,,, understand saving leftover paint especially colors for the most often nicked places that need touchups
why does paint come in soft metal cans ? because paint's not designed for long-term storage,,, we buy mostly in 5's which are plastic & we can store but never for more than 6mos

Ha, I've been keeping leftover paint in a spare filing cabinet in my garage...never realizing that even after all these years living in Florida I'm still thinking like a 'northerner' when it comes to some things...

keeping a record of the paint code makes all the sense in the world...and the reality is now that the kids are grown and left the coop they are no longer wreaking havoc with the walls and there's very little touch up needed

thanks to the OP for opening my eyes on paint storage

I have found that some paint stores don't even know how to mix paint with a paint code unless it is their code. A few years ago, I took the builder's color code to Home Depot, and they couldn't make the paint. All you really need is a color sample and they can match the color with their automated mixing machine.

are you talking about the refer in your kitchen?

I store paint in the garage. I cover the can with cellophane before I put the lid on. Not sure how or why it stops film from forming on top of paint. Have done this for years. If there is just a small amount left in can I store in a large glass jar like spaghetti sauce comes in. Again cover with celophane then screw on top. Both instances also makes easier to open for touch ups.

I have stored paint in garages and barns for years. While not an issue here, allowing the paint to freeze was a bigger issue (freezing destroys the paint). I occasionally check the cans for leakage, and then open the lid to see if the paint has deteriorated. In over 25 years of doing this, I never had a paint can (quart or gallon) leak. Obviously, spray cans are a different issue. The warning label speaks to keeping the spray cans in an area where the temperature is less than 120 deg F. Storing old spray cans in high temp areas after a few years can be messy as one poster noted.

I transferred leftover paint from the can to plastic bottles, like what cran-grape comes in. Makes a much better container, easy to shake up and pour out a little when needed for touchups.

Never kept it in the kitchen. Does that keep it fresh ? :coolsmiley:

using the above the fridge cabinets was a good idea. moved my paint from closet in house to there, all fit. more space in the closet now.

Paint manufactures engage in "Planned obsolescence". Any water based paint will eventually rust in a metal can. The more air space there is the more the can will rust, making the remaining paint useless. If you want to preserve the paint you would have to transfer it to a plastic container, with an air tight top. I save empty laundry detergent containers and use them for storing left over paint. Paint can be stored in your garage, but it will thicken with higher temperatures. Just add water to thin it before using, assuming it is water based paint. For cans of spray paint, just make sure you clean the nozzle thoroughly after using.