Posted by frenchicfinland Admin
Storing paint
Key points:
- Protect paint from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Keep it at least above +10 degrees.
- Avoid direct sunlight and moisture.
- Do not pour paint down the drain or into waterways
- Water-based paint cannot withstand frost or freezing
- Dirty paint does not keep
- Store paint in a container of the right size
- During the drying process, paint starts to thicken
When you open an old paint can, check the paint first:
If the paint smells and looks normal, mixes evenly and the color is right after a test coat, you can use it.
Although Frenchic paints do not need to be thinned, you can try thinning thickened paint very gradually in a separate container, using a small amount of water. Always use clean tap water, not well, irrigation or lake water.
Opened cans do require extra care, however
Bring paints and supplies indoors for winter storage from cottages, stables and sheds in good time in the fall.
Uninsulated and unheated spaces, such as a summer cottage left unheated over winter, a garage or a garden shed, are not suitable for storing water-based paints.
Frozen paint cannot be restored. Its consistency changes, and it can no longer be mixed evenly. We do not recommend using paint that has frozen.
A metal paint can stored in damp outdoor conditions may start to rust. That’s why a dry place at a normal temperature is preferable.
Once paint cans have been opened, you need to be especially careful to prevent evaporation. Make sure to close opened paint cans tightly again when you finish painting.
Whether storing a brand-new can of paint or an opened, used can, the guidelines for good storage conditions are much the same:
A normal room-temperature or slightly cool, dry and shady place.
Water-based paint can easily freeze, for example, during even a short power outage or a period of severe frost.
Dirty paint does not keep
If dirt from the brush gets into the paint, or pollen or sand gets in while painting outdoors, bacteria can quickly spoil the paint. Do not use spoiled paint.
Especially in summer, on a hot day, paint can dry quickly even in the can, for example in direct sunlight.
Paint and store paint in the shade on hot days
Sealing the can lid after use prevents water from evaporating, meaning the water-based paint dries out. This works best when you keep the can rim in good condition and clean. During the drying process, water starts to evaporate from the paint and it begins to thicken.
Ideal conditions for storing paint
Always protect paint cans from extreme temperatures and freezing. Both cold and excessive heat can quickly make water-based paint unusable.
Store paint away from direct sunlight to prevent the cans from heating up, and avoid moisture, which can cause problems by damaging the cans.
Take care of products already at the ordering stage
For example, in winter, a warm transport chain can be broken when a package is collected or when a paint shipment is left in a cold car in freezing weather, perhaps while shopping.
Frozen paint is unusable and will not return to its original state when it thaws. Using frozen paint is not recommended.
Extreme temperatures are not suitable for storing paint: cold storage, sunlight and overly warm storage conditions, such as a car trunk or a sunny, hot windowsill in storage - even for a short time - can damage the paint's properties.
Here are some of the best tips:
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Open carefully so paint doesn't splash onto the rim of the can or lid
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If you damage the can lid or rim when opening it, the can probably won't seal properly afterwards. A poor opener bends the rim out of shape, like a screwdriver, for example.
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Loosen the lid at several points around the rim before removing it, and make sure not to damage the rim while prying. A custom-made paint can opener is a good option.
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Top tip: If the lid feels very stuck, twist a can opener (such as a key) instead of prying it up.
Be careful with dried paint
Do not let dried paint build up around the rim of the can (or lid), as it can prevent the lid from closing tightly.
You can avoid this by resisting the temptation to wipe excess paint from your brush on the rim of the can when dipping your brush into the paint.
If you let paint dry around the rim of the paint can, it's difficult to remove without dried flakes falling into the paint.
Here are a few ways you can protect the rim of the paint can:
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Wrap foil around the rim while painting and remove it when you close the can
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Stretch a strong rubber band across the open can and use it to control the paint on your brush.
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Alternatively, you can pour the amount of paint you need into a clean container or tray.
Always clean the rim of the can when you finish painting and close the lid while it's clean.
What if the can is damaged?
- Dents or dings on the side of a paint can are cosmetic and don't affect the quality of the paint. So you can safely use the paint even if the can has a flaw: a dent or ding.
- If you can't get a good seal on the can because its rim or lid is damaged, consider adding extra protection by covering it with a plastic bag or cling film secured tightly with a rubber band.
- This provides an extra layer of protection to minimize moisture loss.
- Alternatively, use a new container if the original lid no longer seals tightly.
What if there isn't much paint left?
- If there isn't much paint left in the can, it will keep better if you store it in a smaller, clean, airtight container instead of the original can.
- If you use a screw-top container or glass jar for storage, do your best to keep paint off the lid threads so you can still open it.
- And remember to write the shade name on the new storage container!
Frenchic paints, waxes, and Finishing Coats are not self-igniting
- Dried paint is general waste
- An empty paint can is recyclable metal
- Liquid, water-based paint is hazardous waste
- Follow the latest waste disposal guidelines and check local regulations
