How long does a can of gloss paint last after it has been opened and the lid put back on at the end of a job?

Question

How long does a can of gloss paint last after it has been opened and the lid put back on at the end of a job?

Answer 1

It can last up to 2 years in a sealed container.

Answer 2

I pretty much agree with the 2 year notion but in large measure that depends on where the paint is stored.

  I paint, every day of my life, and would NOT upturn the can. For one thing air is already present in the can when the lid is tapped back down, and the AGENTS in the paint will naturally SKIN, anyway, similar to Oil Based, though you don't state the formulation,,,Oil/Latex

  The ideal temps for storage would be those similar in the interior of a house.

Steven Wolf

Just my two "sense"

Answer 3

3-5 years is the average shelf life. When storing opened paint, store the can upside down so you do not have the paint skin you would by storing it right side up.

Answer 4

uhm, got some great answers here! lol.  No point in painting 1000 years if you don't get the basics of how things work...

Ok the way it works is that there is THINNER with your paint.

Thinner will evaporate and then paint is dry.

Thinner is needed within the paint or paint won't be easy to apply.

Are you with me so far? Ok...

Thinner will evaporate also from the paint that is in the can, not only the paint that's applied.

People close the can as best they can so the thinner won't evaporate, but there is always some evaporation.

The answer is simple: check your paint every six months or so and ADD some thinner when the paint is getting a bit thick.

Mix it well. This way your paint can last a million years. lol.

Make sure you are in a ventilated area when using thinners and paints. BTW, to stir it you can seal it back up and SHAKE the can, this way you won't inhale anything and ALL paint in the can will be thinned, even the one under the lid etc.

Answer 5

I've used a 5 year old tin of gloss paint and it went on perfectly.

Answer 6

2-3 years.until it is too thick to stir.

Answer 7

I always save paint. I've used some after 5 years. With oil-based paint you get a thick skin, which is easily removed by cutting around the edge and lifting the film off with your fingers. After that, stir well, add thinner if needed, and strain the paint.

You can use old Latex if it hasn't frozen. Latex doesn't skin, in my experience. But it can separate, and particles of rust can fall in when you open the can. Stir it well to smooth it out, and then strain it before the rust can bleed into the paint. If Latex paint smells bad, throw it away.

I'm just a homeowner, but I've had good luck using "used" paint.

Answer 8

Usually until the tin rusts PROVIDED that having put the lid back on the tin PROPERLY you then turn the tin upside down allowing the contents to run all around the inside of the lid. When you then upright the tin, you have given the contents a perfect seal around the rim of the lid. No air can get in and the result is a perfect can of paint next time you open it ! ! !