Problem with interior of paint can rusting

I keep some partial filled cans of paint to touch up. However, the interior of the can under the lip rusts, sometimes very badly. I heard that I could just turn the can upside down during storage and it would prevent this. However, wouldn't that just allow the bottom to rust? Do you have a solution to this problem, other than use all of the paint at once? Is there some type of storage container that could be used to prevent the rusting, but still seal the container?

 

I don't know if the bottoms of mine rust because I do store them upside down. Never seen rust when I stir it up afterward, though.

 

First thought is to apply a thin coat of something to prevent oxygen exposure, such as an oil of some kind (obviously not automotive). Second thought is a fog spray to accomplish the same, like the ones used to winterize cylinders of boat motors. I have no idea how either approach/materials would react with paint and have never attempted either.

Adam

 

Where are you storing it?
If it's in a damp area it's going to rust no mater what you do.

 

Storing a partial can of paint upside down helps but if the paint is stored in a dry environment - the can shouldn't rust! As a painter I've run into rusty cans more than once over the years and almost every case can be attributed to the paint can being exposed to the elements [rain mostly] on the back of a truck or wherever.

 

Adding water to paint that's in the can (or pouring paint thinned with water back into the can) is usually a sure fire way to rust out the can, as is storing paint in a location that isn't room temperature.

Cleaning the lid and the ring around the lid is a must. Not spotless, but it shouldn't be all caked with paint. Rotating the paint regularly (flipping them end for end maybe 4x per year) is a good way to keep cans from rusting and from completely separating.

 

I've used coffee cans (which are almost all plastic nowadays, at least our brand) with the snap on lid. Transfer the paint (either to a larger 3 lb can or the smaller ones), little bit of water on top, then lay a sheet of saran wrap or similar over the top, snap on the lid. I've also used everything from butter tubs to fried onion containers, to cottage cheese containers.

Main thing is to remember you put a dab of paint on the lid and label it somehow with the brand and color, the tinting formula if needed, and where it was used in/on the house.

I've been going this since the first time I had to strain a can to get rust flakes and dried paint globs out. It's been working for 24 years.

 

Ugh. I can't imagine using paint that smelled like coffee

 

Years ago I worked for an outfit that used wall paint that only came in55 gallon drums and 5 gallon buckets. We had one builder that required us to leave touch up paint for the homeowner, since the boss was too cheap to buy empty quart cans we had to get creative. I've left wall paint in just about any container imaginable The main thing is to have a lid that is secure and air tight.

 

You have to wash them out first Stickshift...ya silly.

 

One of the home tip shows had a solution that may help. For leftover paint he showed filling a plastic water bottle close to full and then adding a few marbles to act as a rattle can. His objective was to minimize the air at the top of the bottle. Lots of different size bottles out there.

Bud

 

Yeah, I think you can guess I wouldn't have the empty coffee cans in the first place

 

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions. The paint is stored in a dry, heated and cooled place. I think I will try the upside down can and see if that works. Thanks again.