{"id":2269,"date":"2022-03-09T10:39:36","date_gmt":"2022-03-09T04:39:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/?p=2269"},"modified":"2022-03-09T10:39:36","modified_gmt":"2022-03-09T04:39:36","slug":"how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does Paint Last If Opened? (Explained)"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>Do you have a can of paint that has been sitting around open for a while? Understandably, you would want to make use of the old paint and brush your walls with what you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, before you do so, you would need to ensure that the paint can be used after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_paint_last_if_opened\"><\/span><strong>How long does paint last if opened?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once opened, a can of paint can last for an average of two years. However, this timeframe would largely vary and can be as long as 5 years if the paint has been stored properly. Paint that has been opened but sealed in the right way, and kept away from heat, air, and moisture keeps well for longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#How_long_does_paint_last_if_opened\" title=\"How long does paint last if opened?\">How long does paint last if opened?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Emulsion_paint\" title=\"Emulsion paint: \">Emulsion paint: <\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Wall_paint\" title=\"Wall paint: \">Wall paint: <\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Gloss_paint\" title=\"Gloss paint: \">Gloss paint: <\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Acrylic_paint\" title=\"Acrylic paint: \">Acrylic paint: <\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Dulux_paint\" title=\"Dulux paint: \">Dulux paint: <\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Latex_paint\" title=\"Latex paint: \">Latex paint: <\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Water-based_paint\" title=\"Water-based paint: \">Water-based paint: <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Does_paint_go_bad_if_opened_Does_paint_expire_if_opened\" title=\"Does paint go bad if opened? Does paint expire if opened?\">Does paint go bad if opened? Does paint expire if opened?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#What_causes_paint_to_go_bad\" title=\"What causes paint to go bad?\">What causes paint to go bad?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Air_and_moisture\" title=\"Air and moisture: \">Air and moisture: <\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#High_temperatures\" title=\"High temperatures: \">High temperatures: <\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Improper_storage\" title=\"Improper storage: \">Improper storage: <\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Quality_of_paint\" title=\"Quality of paint: \">Quality of paint: <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#How_can_you_tell_if_the_paint_is_bad\" title=\"How can you tell if the paint is bad?\">How can you tell if the paint is bad?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Bulging_paint_can\" title=\"Bulging paint can: \">Bulging paint can: <\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Strong_unpleasant_smell\" title=\"Strong, unpleasant smell: \">Strong, unpleasant smell: <\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Lumpy_consistency\" title=\"Lumpy consistency: \">Lumpy consistency: <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Can_you_use_paint_that_has_been_sitting_for_a_while\" title=\"Can you use paint that has been sitting for a while?\">Can you use paint that has been sitting for a while?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#How_do_you_make_old_paint_usable_again\" title=\"How do you make old paint usable again?\">How do you make old paint usable again?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Add_water\" title=\"Add water: \">Add water: <\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Stir_properly\" title=\"Stir properly: \">Stir properly: <\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Add_thinner\" title=\"Add thinner: \">Add thinner: <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/how-long-does-paint-last-if-opened\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-480x360.jpg 480w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-735x551.jpg 735w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-335x251.jpg 335w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-347x260.jpg 347w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-520x390.jpg 520w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-640x480.jpg 640w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-960x720.jpg 960w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-1024x768.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2270 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-1024x768.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-300x225.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-768x576.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-720x540.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-480x360.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-320x240.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-735x551.jpg.webp 735w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-335x251.jpg.webp 335w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-347x260.jpg.webp 347w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-520x390.jpg.webp 520w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-640x480.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-960x720.jpg.webp 960w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened-1080x810.jpg.webp 1080w, https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened.jpg.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/3114.-How-long-does-paint-last-if-opened.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall the storage process defines the time of the paint to stay good. But not all paint stays good for the same time period. Let&rsquo;s get to know about the different types of paints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emulsion_paint\"><\/span><strong>Emulsion paint:<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the case of emulsion paint, how long before it goes bad would largely depend on the quality and way of storing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once opened, the emulsion paint can be used within <strong>6 months<\/strong> if it cannot be subjected to too much heat or water exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wall_paint\"><\/span><strong>Wall paint: <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Wall paint can be both oils-based and water based.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of what type of wall paint it is, if the can have been opened, the paint can only be used for up to <strong>two years<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The timeframe would be shorter if the paint went through high temperature changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gloss_paint\"><\/span><strong>Gloss paint: <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although gloss paints used to be oil based before, now they are water based and have better resistance to heat and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An opened can, if sealed properly can be used for <strong>2 to 3 years<\/strong>. Gloss paints are hence regularly used in kitchens and bathrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Acrylic_paint\"><\/span><strong>Acrylic paint:<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Acrylic paint, when unopened can last up to <strong>10 or 15 years<\/strong> without going bad. Acrylic paint can hold on to its consistency and quality pretty well even after it has been opened for about 2 to 5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the paint goes through freezing and moisture exposure, it would not last as long before it starts to smell found and lose its smooth consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dulux_paint\"><\/span><strong>Dulux paint: <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Dulux paints do not have the longest expiry dates and maybe good to be used from <strong>6 months to 2 years<\/strong> after opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The time frame would depend on the quality of the paint and if it has been stored in the right conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Latex_paint\"><\/span><strong>Latex paint: <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Latex paint, similar to acrylic paint is a water-based paint that usually has a shelf life of <strong>2 years<\/strong> after being opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the paint is not kept in a cool room, away from too much heat or moisture, the paint could go bad within months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Water-based_paint\"><\/span><strong>Water-based paint: <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the shelf life of water-based paints is 10 years, the paint would be good to be put on the walls for <strong>2 to 3 years<\/strong> if stored correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_paint_go_bad_if_opened_Does_paint_expire_if_opened\"><\/span><strong>Does paint go bad if opened? Does paint expire if opened?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most paints, whether they are water based or oil-based, have a long lifespan when unopened. Any oil-based paint can be used for 2 to 15 years if not opened. On the other hand, water-based ones can be used for up to 10 years when unopened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, when the paint is opened, it slowly gets exposed to moisture and air. Whenever moisture and air enter a paint&rsquo;s composition starts to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Although the paint goes not go bad immediately, its composition is bound to be altered. As bacteria forms, the paint will eventually go bad in the coming years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nevertheless, this does not mean paint expires if opened.<\/strong> When sealed properly and kept away from too much heat or exposure to moisture, paint can last many years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_causes_paint_to_go_bad\"><\/span><strong>What causes paint to go bad?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several reasons why the paint goes bad. Check below to know about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Air_and_moisture\"><\/span><strong>Air and moisture:<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The entry of air and moisture into the paint is the primary reason a paint can go bad upon opening. When air and water infiltrate paint, the reaction produces microorganisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bacteria form and eat up paint inside. The gaps cause gas to form and hence paint can go warp when opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bacteria are also responsible for the foul smell that can be quite strong as humidity and microorganisms keep on festering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"High_temperatures\"><\/span><strong>High temperatures: <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sealing a paint can after opening is not always enough to keep the paint fresh for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another factor that determines how long a paint might last after opening is the temperature it has been stored in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Varying temperatures and repeated freezing can cause paint to break down completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improper_storage\"><\/span><strong>Improper storage: <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Water-based paints like latex can last for years and can be used like new paint only if it has been stored properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hence, once the paint is opened, the method of storing is what would determine if the paint would go bad and for how long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quality_of_paint\"><\/span><strong>Quality of paint: <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Quality of paint can be a contributing factor when it comes to the reasoning of paint going bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good brands do not mix water in oil-based paints and vice versa. If infiltrated if other contents, the paint will go bad quicker than expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_you_tell_if_the_paint_is_bad\"><\/span><strong>How can you tell if the paint is bad?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, nobody would want to paint their house walls with what has gone bad. If you see a can of paint lying around and plan on using it on your walls, you may want to look for a few signs first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few signs that would tell you whether a paint has gone bad:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bulging_paint_can\"><\/span><strong>Bulging paint can: <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a can of paint that is unopened or even partially opened, the first sign to look out for is a bulging can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This happens due to the buildup of bacteria eating paints. Once those microorganisms from inside, gas from the can escape creating pressure. As a result, you can notice a change in the can&rsquo;s shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strong_unpleasant_smell\"><\/span><strong>Strong, unpleasant smell: <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We all love the smell of good paint, at least most of us do. When paint goes bad, you would notice how the smell transforms into one that is both sour and unpleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That strong odor is a signal that you&rsquo;d want to discard the paint. This smell can be quite strong initially, although it fades away slowly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lumpy_consistency\"><\/span><strong>Lumpy consistency: <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the smell could be telling enough whether the paint has expired, the consistency of the paint would assure the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon stirring, if you think that the paint feels lumpy on the mixer, the paint has gone bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, the paint would not have a smooth liquid texture. Instead, bad paints are gloopy and may have solid or gel portions that would stick to the paintbrush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_use_paint_that_has_been_sitting_for_a_while\"><\/span><strong>Can you use paint that has been sitting for a while?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you can use old paint would depend on the condition of the paint. If the paint has been sitting with its lid opened, the exposure to air and moisture is most likely to change the chemical composition of the paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>However, if you smell the paint and are not fazed by the lurking smell, it could mean the paint is still usable.<\/strong> Other than that, if the paint is smooth upon vigorous stirring, you can still use that paint. You would need to make sure that the paint has not gone all bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is because when the paint is spoilt due to heat, air, or moisture exposure, the smell they give off can be harmful to humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The risk of using old paint is that the chemical composition of the paint does not remain the same if it has been unused for a while when the lid has been opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_make_old_paint_usable_again\"><\/span><strong>How do you make old paint usable again?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few ways to help you save on new paint and use the old one again:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Add_water\"><\/span><strong>Add water: <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first trick you could try if your paint has become lumpy is to add water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This would particularly work on a paint that is either acrylic or latex since these paints have a good amount of water composition. You need to make sure that you add water gradually and not all at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stir_properly\"><\/span><strong>Stir properly:<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Each time you add a little bit of water, you would need to stir it properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;If you think the paint is still gloopy in consistency, stir more vigorously as you add water until the pain feels smooth on the brush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Add_thinner\"><\/span><strong>Add thinner:<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your paint is oil-based, you can add thinner or mineral spirits instead of water. Vigorous stirring is key no matter which solvent you are adding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Opened paint cans last a much shorter time like 2 years than unopened ones. When a paint can is opened, it is exposed to air and moisture. This in turn produces bacteria that causes paint to go bad eventually. You can detect bad paint through its lumpy consistency and foul smells.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you have a can of paint that has been sitting around open for a while? Understandably, you would want to make use of the old paint and brush your walls with what you have. However, before you do so, you would need to ensure that the paint can be used after all. How long &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2270,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2269"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2269"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2269\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2291,"href":"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2269\/revisions\/2291"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2270"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2269"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2269"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homeapricot.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}