how long is paint good?

[luvmyfam444]

I have a few gallons of unopenend paint from APril of '06. Was gonna repaint back then & never got around to it - is the paint still good? It's been stored outside in a utility closet.

 

[vettechick99]

I doubt it's any good. One look inside and you'll see its separated and oily. I would dispose of it - but I know you have to do it a special way. You can't just throw it out with the trash.

 

[Nickimouse]

I have used unopened paint that was about that old and it was fine. Just let it sit in the house a day or so and mix it REALLY well.

I say give it a try. The worst that can happen is you have a spot that needs repainting if a test patch doesn't work out.

Good luck!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Don't know what state you are from but if it was stored at below freezing it is no good.

If it wasn't you can take it to the paint store and have them put it in the shaker to remix the paint as it is probably totally seperated.

Now as a word of advice, if you are doing an area that needs to look excellent, I would get fresh paint.

 

[suzimar57]

my DH has 3 cans of old paint from 1995 in our storage bin....

he refuses to dump them.

whatever.

 

[JR6ooo4]

Our town says to let them sit with the lid off, until the pain dries completely. then throw them in the trash.

Mikeeee

 

[KirstenB]

I have used unopened paint that was about that old and it was fine. Just let it sit in the house a day or so and mix it REALLY well.

I say give it a try. The worst that can happen is you have a spot that needs repainting if a test patch doesn't work out.

Good luck!

So have I. I agree with Nicki, give it a try. Worst case, you'll have to buy more paint.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

I used paint that old and it was fine. We did get it remixed though. Good luck!

 

[Mom2Satan&Daisy]

You should take it to Home Depot or Lowe's and ask them to shake it for you.
It will mix better than you stirring it.

Unless it has started to harden...it will be fine.

 

[james'mommy]

We've used old paint before. Just take it to Lowe's or Home Depot to get it shaken. A guy at Lowe's told us that when the paint goes bad it smells like rotten eggs. So as long as it smells like paint you're good.