Learn when your old paint has kicked the bucket
Unopened paint cans last 10 years, but certain types may only be good for a few days after opening.
Milk paint has a short shelf life and oil paint has the longest.
Proper storage and resealing extend the paint’s life span.
Paint can last anywhere from just a few days to over 15 years, depending on the type of paint and how you store it. Using paint past its prime can lead to a lackluster look in your home and even harm your health. Before you start your home painting project, you’ll want to ensure that your paint is up for the job. In this guide, we’ll explain how long paint lasts in different conditions and how to tell if you should use it or replace it before starting your next project.
On average, a can of paint lasts around 10 years, but paint can last anywhere from one day to 15 years, depending on the type of paint and whether or not you’ve already opened the container.
Unopened paint lasts longer than opened paint cans, so an unopened container is likely good for a few years, depending on the type of paint. If you’ve not opened a latex, acrylic, or oil-based paint can, there’s a good chance you’ll still be able to use it. The action of opening a paint can will change the outcome of its life span, at which point the life span can range from a day or two to 2 years, depending on the type, the storage method, and whether you properly resealed the can after opening it.
A few things affect how long paint lasts, and you should consider all of them when determining if your paint is still good.
Opened vs. unopened: An unopened can of paint will last for around 10 years, while the average life span of an opened and resealed can is about two years. However, this can vary based on the type of paint used and other factors.
Resealing: All paint degrades in the presence of oxygen and moisture, so resealing used paint cans is crucial. Getting a tight seal on your can will often lead to a two-year shelf life, while leaving your paint unopened or improperly sealed can ruin it in just a day or two.
Storage conditions: Temperature is a big driving factor for paint’s shelf life. If it’s too cold, and the paint will freeze and separate. If it’s too hot, and it can quickly dry out or thicken. Aim for a consistent storage temperature of between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Type of paint: You’ll get the longest shelf life from oil-based paint products, followed by limewash, acrylic paint, water-based latex paint, chalk paint, and then paint containing milk protein.
The type of paint you choose can make all the difference in its shelf life. Check out the chart below for a rough estimate of how long your paint might last by paint type, and consider hiring a junk removal service if your paint reaches the end of its life. Keep in mind that these timelines are for unopened paint, with the exception of powdered milk paint, which you’ll mix yourself prior to application.
| Paint Type | Average Life Span |
|---|---|
| Water-based latex paint | 2–10 years |
| Acrylic paint | 2–10 years |
| Oil-based paint | 2–15 years |
| Limewash paint | 5–10 years |
| Chalk paint | 1–5 years |
| Premixed milk paint | 1–2 years |
| Powdered milk paint | 1–7 days |
Water-based paint uses fewer preservatives than oil-based paint, which cuts into the paint’s shelf life. Expect latex paint to last anywhere from two to 10 years unopened, depending on how you store it. That shelf life drops to about one year if you open and reseal it.
Avoid storing latex paint in the garage or in a place where it can freeze, as the thawing process can cause the paint to lump. Paint that is too lumpy will need to be discarded—unless you want clumps of paint on your wall.
Both latex and acrylic paint last for between two and 10 years in unopened containers, or around one year if you open and reseal it. Both types have a similar shelf-life; however, acrylic paint is less susceptible to freeze damage and more likely to dry up if exposed to open air. Keep in mind that acrylic paint releases a higher concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than low-VOC paint like latex, milk, or chalk paint.
Oil-based paint is the longest-lasting paint, with a shelf life of up to 15 years if unopened. You can even reseal and store oil-based paints for up to ten years. Like chemical-based acrylic paint, oil paint releases flammable VOCs when it dries, so properly seal your paint to prevent fumes and lengthen the shelf life.
Limewash paint only consists of two or three ingredients: lime, water, and optional pigments for color. As a result, limewash paint has a long shelf life of five to 10 years if unopened, though it might last even longer if you store it properly. Opened and resealed cans will usually last for around two years. Limewash is a great way to brighten exposed brick walls for that feature wall you’ve always wanted.
If you enjoy the look of a simple, matte finish, chalk paint offers a subtle hue and plenty of character to a home. It also happens to be one of the most eco-friendly paint options on the market. The paint lasts between one and five years if unopened and usually one to two months if you open and reseal it, so you’ll want to use this paint more quickly than some of the other options. Expired chalk paint will dry up and thicken, but you might get away with adding some water to revive it.
As the name suggests, milk paint contains milk protein, which shortens the life span of this paint type to just one to seven days once opened or mixed at home. Premixed milk paint that you haven’t opened can last for one to two years, but once bacteria has the opportunity to get to the paint, the clock starts ticking. Keep milk paint refrigerated in between paint jobs to extend its life.
Knowing how to tell if your paint is expired is an easy way to determine if you should replace it before you start your home improvement project. There are a few things to look out for if you’re DIYing with old paint instead of hiring a local interior painting company.
Sour, rancid, or moldy-smelling paint is a sign that bacteria has grown in the paint can, which means it’s no longer viable. This is most common with milk paints, as bacteria eats away at the milk protein. This smell will not go away after you apply it to your walls, so be sure to dispose of the paint immediately.
If you notice paint chunks that don’t dissolve after stirring, you should throw it out to avoid applying lumpy coats of paint. This standard applies even if you open the paint can and it smells fine.
The paint should be smooth and have a liquid consistency. If your paint seems gooey or has a shiny film on top, it likely won’t spread evenly across the surface you plan on painting.
If a fine layer of dried paint settles on the top of the paint in the can, you can remove it and mix the paint or add a bit of paint thinner to it. But if you notice there’s a lot of dry paint or the paint-thinner doesn’t revive the paint, this could be a sign that it’s time for a new can..
While paint may look lighter when wet, obvious discolorations from the paint on the wall, such as faded colors, may indicate that the paint is expired.
If the paint has been sitting for a long period of time, it may have separated into different layers, with the pigment settling to the bottom. If you can't mix the paint back to a uniform consistency, it may be best to replace it to avoid color variations on your finished project.
If you spot signs of mold or mildew growth on the paint, such as fuzzy growths or areas of greenish discoloration, then the paint is spoiled and should be discarded immediately. This is more typical with milk paints, but it’s possible with any type.
Rust and corrosion are telltale signs of age and poor storage conditions. If the paint can contains rust or corrosion on the outside, it likely indicates that the paint inside is expired.
As paint ages and sees exposure to oxygen and moisture, it can break down and create more volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are hazardous to your health. This is the most important reason not to use paint past its expiration date.
Foul-smelling paint is usually due to bacterial growth. The last thing you want is a house that smells like rancid paint. Not only can expired paint smell bad, but it could also irritate your skin, nose, eyes, and throat, so it’s best to toss it out.
If your paint doesn’t smell but has an unusual consistency, it can also make your home’s paint look like an eyesore. From lumpy paint and lackluster pigments to color variations and poor adhesion, it’s best to hire a local waste removal service to dispose of paint that’s old, dried, or faded.
Regardless of what type of paint you have, storing it properly will always extend its shelf life. There are a few things you can do to make your stored paint last longer.
Don’t open it until you need it: Opening a can of paint will instantly reduce its life span, sometimes by several years. Avoid opening it until you’re ready to start your project.
Seal it properly: Air and moisture accelerate paint degradation. Make sure you get a tight seal on opened containers.
Store in the proper temperature: Keep your sealed paint between 60 and 80 degrees (Fahrenheit) for the best results. Temperatures above and below this range will lead to faster degradation.
Use the smallest container possible: Minimize exposure to air by using the smallest container the paint will fit in. Buy smaller, empty paint cans from your local home improvement store.
Avoid contamination: Always remove leaves and other debris before sealing your paint for storage, and use clean brushes and stirrers anytime you dip into the can.
It’s a bad idea to use old paint. Expired paint may not perform as intended, and using it can lead to various issues, such as poor coverage, inconsistent color, lumpiness, and failure to adhere. Additionally, if the paint has been contaminated with mold, bacteria, or other harmful substances, using it can be a health hazard.
If you use old paint, it's important to check for signs of spoilage such as separation, lumpiness, or mold growth. However, it's safer and more reliable to use fresh paint that you know hasn’t expired.
Proper paint disposal depends on the type of paint, but in most cases, you should use a recycling program or a hazardous waste disposal program to throw out old paint. Going this route will avoid damage to the environment. You should never dispose of old paint in your normal garbage or in a dumpster. The only exceptions are some chalk paints and milk paints, which sometimes don’t contain any hazardous materials, but you should still check the manufacturer’s directions for proper and safe disposal.
Unused paint can go bad over time, even if you haven’t opened it. Paint can degrade and spoil due to a variety of factors, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and exposure to light. The exact life span of unused paint varies depending on the type of paint and the storage conditions. Ideally, you should store paint in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
