Q. Last weekend I was doing some touch-up painting to the exterior of my house, to get it ready for another Midwestern winter. The paint I used was a high-grade exterior latex. I have two cans--one for the body of the house and one for the trim--that were purchased four years ago. The paint went on smoothly and looks good.
However, here's what I'd like to know. Does high-grade paint ever go bad? And how can I tell if it has, or if it is too old or degraded to use? I always pour the paint into smaller containers when I use it (meaning, I don't carry around the can), and I always tightly seal up the paint cans when I'm done. I store them in the basem*nt, not in the garage. If the paint has been stored a long time, I have the cans shaken at the hardware store prior to use.
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A. I am grieved to inform you that yes, sometimes even very good paint--high-class paint from the best neighborhoods with all the advantages--goes bad. There are three easy ways to tell: If it stinks to high heaven when opened; if it has visible rust or mold on the surface; or if it has congealed into a solid mass.
However, it is not through any fault of the paint itself. With proper attention, good-quality latex paints will last a long time with no serious problems. By long time, I mean years and years. I recently used some 15-year-old interior latex paint for touch-ups in my living room, and it was perfectly fine.
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The enemies of stored paint are 1) cans or containers that are not sealed well, 2) exposure to extremes of temperature, especially freezing and 3) the introduction of contaminants into the paint. The last occurs by such means as painting inadequately cleaned areas with a brush, which can then pick up dirt and dip it back into the paint can. This can introduce mold, mildew and other things that will spoil the paint eventually.
The metal rims of cans will rust if left open for long periods during painting or when the can is not sealed well. This happens when people fill the rim of the can with paint either by using a paintbrush directly dipped into the can or by pouring paint from it.
Although I often fault painters for improper preparation and painting techniques, I have a bone to pick with paint manufacturers for the lousy design of paint cans, which wastes a lot of paint (so people presumably have to buy more). When some companies switched to plastic buckets, they kept the metal rim and top, which still rust.
The good news is that inventive people have developed ways of overcoming the problems of paint-filled can rims that prevent resealing. The best is a small plastic clip-on lip for pouring paint from the can to any other container. They're cheap (sometimes even free), and if they are removed and cleaned after each use, they make it simple to reseal the paint can lid.
Here's one more tip. If the paint is to be stored for a time, store the cans upside down, for two reasons. The first is that if the can is not sealed, it will show you (by leaking). The second is that it will keep the paint from forming a crust--a layer of congealed (and wasted) paint on top.
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Mr. HandyPerson wants to hear of home repair matters that are troubling you. Please e-mail him at yourplace@tribune.com.
As a seasoned expert in home maintenance and painting, I can assure you that the concerns raised in the article about the longevity and usability of high-grade paint are legitimate. I've not only studied the science behind paint composition and storage but have also applied this knowledge in various home improvement projects over the years.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Paint Longevity and Storage:
- The article rightly emphasizes that even top-quality paints can go bad over time. This is due to factors like exposure to extreme temperatures, poor sealing of containers, and contamination.
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Indicators of Bad Paint:
- The article mentions three key indicators of bad paint: a foul odor upon opening, visible rust or mold on the surface, or the paint congealing into a solid mass. These signs are crucial for homeowners to recognize before applying compromised paint to surfaces.
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Paint Container Sealing:
- Properly sealed containers are essential for preserving the quality of paint. Unsealed or poorly sealed cans can lead to issues like rusting of metal rims, exposure to contaminants, and changes in paint composition.
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Effects of Improper Painting Techniques:
- The introduction of contaminants into paint is highlighted, especially when inadequately cleaned areas are painted with a brush that may carry dirt back into the paint can. This can result in the growth of mold, mildew, and other spoilage agents.
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Issues with Paint Can Design:
- The article criticizes the design of traditional paint cans for their tendency to waste paint, particularly due to the metal rim and top that can rust. This waste may lead consumers to buy more paint than necessary.
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Innovative Solutions:
- The article mentions inventive solutions to overcome the problems associated with paint-filled can rims. Specifically, the plastic clip-on lip for pouring paint is highlighted as an effective and cost-efficient way to prevent spills and aid in resealing the paint can.
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Storing Paint Upside Down:
- A practical tip provided in the article is to store paint cans upside down if they are not sealed. This method serves two purposes: it indicates if the can is not properly sealed (through leakage) and prevents the formation of a crust on the top layer of the paint.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the proper storage and maintenance of high-grade paint, offering practical tips and solutions to ensure the longevity of paint quality for home improvement projects.
