Is unopened paint okay to use after 5 years?

Question

I have 5 gallons of paint purchased 5 years ago that has never been opened stored in my garage. We're FINALLY ready to paint, and I'm wondering if this paint is still "good". Also, are there any ways to spruce up old paint? I would definitely help to not have to buy it again.

Thank you for all of your suggestions in advance.

Answer 1

You could try opening the can and testing it on a small piece of the material or wall you will be painting. If it's good then paint away. If it's no good then you lost nothing.

Answer 2

It may be still ok to use after a few steps. First, get an empty 5 gal. bucket and line it with a 5 gal. stainer bag. You can get these at the local paint store.  Then open your paint and remove any dried film it may have on top.  Now pour your paint into the other bucket and strain the paint.  This step will remove any dried up particles that may have developed over the years.  Now with another clean bucket pour the strained paint back and forth a few times to mix all the solvents of the paint into each other.  Now your ready to paint.