storing latex paint
#1
08-05-13, 04:30 AM
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storing latex paint
I suspect many have opened a can of stored latex paint only to find the inside of the can has rusted ruining the paint. New containers are pretty inexpensive, anyone ever heard to inserting a plastic bag, filling the can and even putting a piece of saran wrap stretched on the underside of the lid and then closing the can up nice and tight?
#2
08-05-13, 04:37 AM
Never heard of anyone using a plastic bag inside the can but no reason it wouldn't work. I have heard of a few using plastic between the lid and the can. IMO if you keep the rim of the can clean - it's not an issue. The best way to keep the rim clean is to use a separate paint pot to work out of. If I'm going to store a can of paint long term I like to just cover the top of the paint with the appropriate thinner - that prevents the paint from skimming over.
How are you storing the paint? I've reopened cans that have been stored for several yrs and never had a rust issue. The only time I've ever had problems with rust was back when I worked out of a pickup truck and the paint cans were exposed to the elements ..... and then it was mostly on the outside making it hard to tell what job the paint was for.
How are you storing the paint? I've reopened cans that have been stored for several yrs and never had a rust issue. The only time I've ever had problems with rust was back when I worked out of a pickup truck and the paint cans were exposed to the elements ..... and then it was mostly on the outside making it hard to tell what job the paint was for.
#3
08-05-13, 06:44 AM
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Well, to me it always made common sense when you opened a can and found rust inside; the can is metal and the paint base is water and just sitting there for a couple years, the paint is still good I have always found but the inside of the can and lid begin to rust, in fact, just last month I picked up a gallon of paint, laid it on the work bench and found an hour later that my handling of the can opened up a weak spot where it had rusted through and had a real mess. I figured others many have experienced rust inside, that is why I wanted to know if other pro's found ways to prevent it.
#4
08-05-13, 10:38 AM
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I've heard of people adding material to the can to decrease the air space but that's about it.
#6
08-05-13, 02:20 PM
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Good point, always put on plastic if stored on concrete, but, that being said, I am not the only one getting into paint cans so......possible it was left on the raw concrete floor and that will do it! Thanks
#7
08-05-13, 03:13 PM
Super Moderator
Well...small amounts can be transferred to smaller containers (they sell empty qt cans) but if metal...you still have the issue.
I've transferred paint into the newer plastic coffee containers and it seems to work well. They aren't super airtight so I put a layer of water on top (only have latex) and a double layer of saran wrap stuff between lid and can.
I've transferred paint into the newer plastic coffee containers and it seems to work well. They aren't super airtight so I put a layer of water on top (only have latex) and a double layer of saran wrap stuff between lid and can.
#8
08-05-13, 03:52 PM
Group Moderator
I'd agree with Marksr. The rust probably is more indicative of cold temps and a can that sweats than anything. If you're the type that adds water to your paint, that will also create rust. Cleaning the rim of the can where the lid meets the can is a must in any case. Before closing the can for good, take a wet rag and clean the rim and the edges of the lid so they are spotless, then dry both off and put the lid on. A little Vaseline around the rim won't hurt either, and will make opening easier. Never done it but laying some saran wrap over the paint shouldn't hurt, it works with joint compound!
#9
08-06-13, 03:26 AM
I've transferred paint into the newer plastic coffee containers and it seems to work well
X - I've almost always added a thin layer of water to latex paints that I expect to store long term but have never had any rust issues because of it. I believe it has more to do with the environment of the exterior of the can, not what's inside it.
