How Can You Tell if Paint is Bad? Here’s How to Tell

Your paint makes all the difference for your property. To acquire peak-level results, it should be of good quality and non-expired. However, laymen often can’t figure out if the paint is good or not, and this can severely affect the outcome.

If you’re considering painting your home with new or leftover paint, then you first need to know the rules of identifying the paint quality. To truly understand if your paint is bad, go through our detailed guide!

How to Identify Spoiled Paint?

Most people do that for a simple reason: to save on buying new paint. And who wouldn’t think of buying new paint when they already have enough in storage? Right?

Here’s the catch. Although it’s fair to think that laymen to use the stored paint, thinking it would still be as fresh and safe to use. However, the reality is somewhat different. Expired paint can cost you time, money, and energy.

So, if you’ve opened your paint cans and stored them after usage, you might need to check whether it is expired or not before using them again. Fear not. It is easy to tell if it’s expired. Just follow our signs:

• Odor: A Foul odour means that it is time to discard your old paint. The unpleasant smell is created due to the bacterial growth, which spreads to your walls upon applying the paint. So, any sign of such an odour signals that you need to get rid of the paint.
• Separation: Another sign of paint expiration is separation, i.e., the heaviest parts sinking to the bottom of the paint cans and the lightest components rising to the top. So, if your leftover paint looks like it’s separated, discard it right away.
• Uniformity: When the paint expires, it forms a lumpy, jelly-like texture. You need to blend the paint with a mixing stick after opening the cans. If you find lumps in it, consider it unusable and get rid of the paint.
• Discoloration: Changing colour is another common sign of a paint’s expiration. So, if your leftover paint is showing a different colour than expected, better to dispose of it straight away.

Shelf Life of Opened Paint Explained

Once the paint can is opened, its shelf life will depend on its type and storage method. Let’s present you with two cases as examples:

1  . Lifespan of Opened Water-Based Paint

As long as it is properly stored, water-based paints typically last 1-2 years after being opened. Not storing your paint in the right conditions will only solidify and separate the paint over time, and might also develop mould or mildew.

2  . Shelf Life of Opened Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paint successfully lasts for 2 to 5 years after the cans are opened. However, you can safely use your leftover paint, and the length of time you can safely paint with it will depend on your storage method.

Can Paint Go Bad Without Being Opened?

Yes, your paint does deteriorate without being opened. As stated earlier, your paint’s lifespan will depend on its type and storage mechanism.

How Many Years Can Unopened Paint Last?

Your paint’s longevity is based on your paint’s type. Let’s take a look at each:

• Water-based (or latex) paint: lasts 8-10 years
• Oil-based paint: lasts 12-15 years
• Acrylic paint: lasts 5-10 years
• Milk paint: lasts 1-2 years
• Chalk paint: lasts 3-5 years
• Mixed paint: lasts 3-5 years

The Consequences of Applying Expired Paint

• Durability: Expect cracks, peels, and chipping to appear on your surfaces if you apply your old paint. Reason? Of course, it’s not as durable as new paint.  
• Colour change: If you use old paint, another effect that you will observe shift in the appearance of the paint colour due to its breakdown over time.
• Texture: Bad paint tends to become lumpy, and when it’s applied to a surface, it will be hard to get a smooth finish.
• It smells: You’ll notice a sour smell of your old paint due to the bacterial growth. Moreover, if you create paintings with expired paint, this will also result in an appalling odor, permeating your interior.

Why Old Paint Can Be Risky to Use?

Using old paint doesn’t just result in a low-quality finish but also proves harmful to your health. Here’s a detailed disclosure:

• The VOCs (Volatile Compounds) in your paints start degrading over time. These chemicals can be inhaled after being applied to your walls and surfaces, which can cause you respiratory inflammation, allergic reactions, and other health issues.
• Old paint is more prone to mould or mildew growth – particularly when the paint is inappropriately stored or due to humidity exposure. This can worsen your current asthma conditions or cause new respiratory issues.

Old Paint: Keep or Discard?

Yes, it’s always good to save your old paints, as this can save you time and money. These paints prove beneficial when you need to touch up any already painted spaces of your house.

To ensure your paint’s longevity, it is best to store your paint in suitable conditions. But that’s not just it. Apart from properly storing your paint, you must also stir it as you would with any new product. To get the best results, you need to properly blend the paint before using it.

The Right Way to Store Paint and Keep It Fresh

If you’re anxious about getting your paint spoiled, then follow our top tips to properly store it:

• Right Temperature: Store your paint in cool and dry environments, but avoid freezing temperatures, as this will ruin the consistency and effectiveness of the paint.
• Prevent Natural Light: Keep your paint away from the sun and avoid ruining it and changing its colour by preventing UV exposure.  
•  Keep it closed: Keep your paint’s seal intact to prevent air from entering inside the can and drying it out.

Select the Right Paints for Your Properties

You’ve everything you need to know to determine the quality of your paints. If you also want professional painters to paint your property, contact DP&D Painting – Your one-stop solution for painting finishes that last and designs that impress at a glance. Contact us at 07492271786 or e-mail at [email protected] to acquire quality finishes and create decorative outlooks.