ᐅ How to Prevent Leftover Paint from Drying Out in the Can?

After finishing the work, there is usually some leftover (wood/wall) paint remaining in the can. However, once exposed to air, this paint starts to dry out and therefore has a limited shelf life.

Is there a way to prevent or slow down this process? I have heard that lightly coating the remaining paint with (sunflower?) oil can block air contact and thus prevent aging.

Is this true?

Or is there another method?

Even then. Would you seriously open a 5-year-old paint bucket and start painting?

xMisterDx schrieb:

Even if that were the case. Would you seriously open a 5-year-old paint can and start painting?

Of course.. I’ve done it several times.. well.. it wasn’t 5 years but definitely 3 or 4. For example, I used leftover base paint from our project to paint the old wall of the neighbor’s garage. The paint inside the can was actually still good without any special treatment. Small amounts of other paints (for touch-ups) I transferred into screw-top jars (about 750 milliliters (25 fl oz)) and stored them in a dark, frost-free place… and they have been used again. I also still have white paint (for wood) left over, which I regularly use for small jobs (shelves, trims…). Always make sure to close the lid tightly!

Wrap completely in cling film for 100% thickness.

I learned from my grandpa as a child to store leftover paint cans upside down when there’s still some liquid left, so it’s always easy to access. 😉
And it’s airtight too 😳

I always place a layer of cling film directly on the leftover paint in the can. It has always worked well so far.