Submitted by allemachtigeapekut t3_10o5mmz in DIY
Hi all! I was wondering whether I can store regular water based interior wall paint in transparent plastic bottles (orginally for water or juice)? My apartment is finished, but I would like to keep a little bit of each colour used, just for repairs etc. I can store those bottles in a shed that never gets any sunlight or frost.
I also use mason jars or even well washed large pickle jars, that sort of thing. Because I do a lot of canning and also use the mason jars for wedding decorations and party events I have a ton of them. We use them for drinking glasses, vases, nuts and bolts and screws etc. They come in any number of sizes and at the dollar store you can buy good quality, name brand plastic lids that are made to fit them. Then you can use them for all sorts of food storage in your pantry. In the workshop I have the 4 ounce sizes filled with labelled paint, so that if I need to touch up, I can easily just open and stir the little jars rather than opening the big can. Easy peasy.
If there is one thing that really does have multiple uses its reusable glass mason jars. Every household could probably find a myriad of uses for them, and bonus - reusable, food safe, easy to sterilize.
Mason jars are my candles, glasses, vases, storage (food and non-food), etc.
My oatmilk gets made and lives in a gallon mason jar.
Mason jars for the win! Reusables for the win!!!
Hello fellow overnight oats maker! <3
Hello!!!!!
Mason jars are the shit! Love them, I have mine filled with everything from tiny ones with tiny screws, herbs, spices etc (not in the same jars lol) dried pasta, home made preserves and pickles, paints, etc as they are air tight and last forever if you don’t drop them. The only issue I have is the rubber seals wear out but you can buy replacement silicone ones for literally pennies, I personally get the Kilner ones as they are cheap and available easily in the UK and far better than the IKEA or TKMAXX/other ones.
If someone tried serving me a drink in one though, I would probably scream and hit them over the head with the roof tile they had just served my food on (jk).
Hopping on the mason jar hype train. The fact that they’re glass makes them a lot easier to wash, and with the 4oz and 8oz ones I’ve been able to put the jars through the dish washer. They hand wash nicely which was a priority when I first began using them in school (dorms).
Don’t forget the universal plastic lids. Total game changer.
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That's a very good idea, thank you!
Total sidebar here: mason jars also have plastic lids that fit 4 different size jars. I use them instead of Tupperware.
Water based paints should be okay, but thicker plastic would be better. I wouldn’t store oil based paints in plastic.
I used glass pasta sauce jars and that works well for me.
You can buy empty paint cans https://www.lowes.com/pd/Valspar-1-Quart-Paint-Bucket/1000380783
😮
No matter what container you use, make sure the paint is mixed well before you transfer. If it has been more than a day since it was mixed, then mix it again. Otherwise the pigment will settle and you'll transfer over a slightly different color. Also keep in mind this is only useful for a few years at most. The paint on your wall changes color with exposure to light, moisture, and oxygen. After a long enough period, even if you use the exact same paint, it won't match.
What's wrong with the cans the paint came in?
If you're only storing a little bit of left-over paint, the original cans will have too much air space and the paint will degrade faster. Also, they take up a lot more space.
Single use or thinner plastic would work short term but if you are looking for something long term I would go with glass. Mason jars or even cleaned out food jars (like for pasta sauce) work perfectly.
Also, store the jars in a spot where there is as little temperature fluctuation as possible. Everyone goes for the basement, but even subtle seasonal temperature changes can affect the lifespan of stored paint.
I work in a paint store, and this is what I usually advise customers to do.
Unfortunately, I'm in Spain, so little temperature fluctuation is difficult. But these are very good advices, thank you!
Empty coffee cans (plastic) are great. Also use them to hold a little bit of paint while i am cutting in edges so i am not carrying a heavy gallon. Your wrists will thank you
I have used plastic canisters with screw on lids before. I always transfer my paint from the cans into these because they are easier for me to use, store and are super handy. They can be shaken before opening instead of stirring. My paint don’t last long but it stores well for a couple of months. Before I transfer any paint out of them I wrap the threads of the container with blue paint tape and then pour out what I need and take the tape off and it leaves a clean edge. As long as you keep a clean thread on both the container and lid it will seal well. I get mine at Dollar Tree.
It depends on the binder.
Glass containers are preferred.
Storage them in a cold dark place (not in the freezer though)
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I currently store latex house paint in plastic instant coffee jars. Some are 5 years old and still OK.
Take a picture of the lid and label
Over time air will permeate through the plastic. You would be better with a glass jar with a metal cover.
I’m a paint chemist…. Your only issue is some solvent based paints could potentially “melt” the plastic. But if the paint is waterbased then you won’t have any issues at all.
Hardware stores sell small empty tin paint containers and lids.
If you're in the US both Home Depot and Lowe's sell empty paint cans for a couple of dollars. Better safe than sorry.
You could, but I wouldn't. I'd never trust those POS bottles with anything, even water.
Do you mean emulsion? If so, plastic bottles will be fine. If it's gloss then i'd say no.
Maybe a ziplock would be better🤔
CommonConfusables t1_j6cwikl wrote
I use a mason jar or tin with locking lid.
Single use Plastic bottles break down over time and will eventually leak, especially if previously exposed to something acidic like juice.
If you don’t want paint on your floor, use a mason jar or other durable things. Ideally paint wouldn’t be exposed to light when stored, which you mentioned, but dark containers are going to be better, too. It’s why paint cans are dark.
I assume you are asking about this because you saw something like the touch up cup.
You might be able to get away with a container that truly seals with a lid that tightly closes, but any air will dry out the paint so make sure it locks tight.