So, you just had your room painted, and now you have some leftover paint you don’t know what to do with. Whether you want to dispose of it or store it away, there are safety precautions you must take first, since leftover paint can be dangerous. These hazardous materials can leak into the ground, cause physical injury to sanitation workers, or contaminate septic tanks. Let’s go over how you can prevent this from happening.
Now if you want to throw out your paint, and don’t plan on saving it for a touch-up, you’ll want to dry it out first. For smaller amounts of leftover paint, we recommend leaving it out in the sun. You can also speed up the process by adding kitty litter or newspaper to help soak up the paint. For when you have larger amounts, you can purchase a paint hardener from your local home improvement store for just a few dollars. After your paint is dried up, you can then safely dispose of it with the rest of your trash. You can do this in most locations, but check your local laws first.
When it comes to storing your paint, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. If you store it properly, latex paint can last up to 10 years and oil-based paint up to 15 years. According to the EPA, you should keep the paint in its original container. Never store hazardous products in food containers, and never remove labels. To seal the can, we recommend using a rubber mallet instead of a hammer because it can damage the lid, making it harder to seal the paint properly. Now all you have to do is store it in a cool, dry place like your basement on a shelf up high, away from food and drink and out of reach from children.
We hope these tips helped you feel more prepared for your next painting project! At J&S Painting Plus, Inc., we are fully licensed and insured painting contractors, offering the highest standard of quality workmanship for exterior house painting and all your residential painting needs at the most affordable prices. Contact us today via our website for a free quote to get started: http://jandspaintingplus.com/contact-us/
Sources:
https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/how-to-store-leftover-paint
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a24186/throwing-out-paint/
