Everyone has old paint cans lying around. But does paint go bad? How long does old paint last? Like many homeowners In Valparaiso and surrounding areas, you may wonder if you can reuse leftover paint for touch-ups.
The Dangers of Improper Disposal
If you find paint that has gone bad, do not use it to paint your walls or drywall touchups. If your city or county has a designated paint disposal facility, you can drop it off there.
Oil-Based Paint Disposal
Proper disposal of oil-based paint is a giant hassle, so most new paints are water-based.
In Valparaiso and surrounding areas, throwing oil-based paints into the trash is illegal. Due to the solvents in oil-based or alkyd paints, they are considered hazardous waste and can contaminate soil and water.
Luckily, many regions have designated paint drop-off facilities. Improper paint disposal is terrible for the environment, whether in a landfill or not. Moreover, don’t pour large amounts of old paint down the drain or toilet.
Lastly, some paint stores may still have a paint recycling program. However, most have phased out paint drop-off services, so make sure to call ahead.
Latex Paints Disposal
Most new, modern paint formulations are acrylic latex or water-based. In addition to having lower VOCs than oil-based paints, acrylic paints are better for the environment. Not to mention, latex paint is much easier to store and dispose of properly.
Here are a few options to properly dispose of old latex or water-based paint at home:
- If the paint is still good, donate or use it by adding another coat to a wall or brushing or rolling some cardboard Amazon delivery boxes.
- Leave the old paint out to dry. If there is a lot of old paint, you can add kitty litter or shredded paper to soak it up and absorb it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Interior Paint Expire?
Yes, all types of paint expire eventually. An opened paint can last, on average, five years if properly sealed and stored.
How Do You Know If Paint Is Bad?
You can tell the paint has gone bad by the smell and texture. If your paint smells rancid or sour, it’s likely spoiled. In particular, the scent of bad paint is similar to sour milk.
Is It Dangerous To Use Old Paint?
It can be dangerous to use old paint. Paints may contain lead, and expired oil-based paints can emit harmful toxic fumes. Even latex paints may contain mercury, which is hazardous to you and your family.
Don’t Settle for Spills – Hire Hoosier Boys Painting And Drywall
Don’t let expired paint mess up your home. Let Hoosier Boys Painting and Drywall handle your paint disposal needs. Our experts can safely and responsibly dispose of your old paint. Contact us today at 219-743-9292 or visit our website https://hoosierboyspainting.com/ for a free estimate, and let us handle all your painting needs.