How can you tell if old paint is usable?

When opening an old paint can, the smell is one of the first things to check . Few people enjoy the chemical scent of acrylic or oil-based paints, but a quick sniff can help identify if the paint is still usable. Expired paint takes on a sour, rancid smell that is easy to distinguish from a typical paint smell.

How can you tell when paint is gone bad?

Just like rotten food in your refrigerator, there's usually a harsh smell that accompanies an old can of paint that has gone bad . Physical changes. You might notice the consistency of your paint has changed. There may be a “skin” on the surface or lumps that won't stir out.

How old can paint be and still be good?

In particular, an unopened can of latex or acrylic paint lasts up to 10 years . For unopened paints that are oil-based or alkyd-based, the shelf life could be up to 15 years. Additionally, chalk paint has a shorter lifespan from 1-3 years, and milk paint only lasts 1-2 weeks after its mixed.

Can 20 year old paint be used?

Shelf Life and Proper Storage The longevity of paint varies by type: Solvent-based paints can last up to 15 years when properly stored . Latex paints have a slightly shorter shelf life, around 10 years under ideal conditions.

What happens if you use expired paint?

Expired paint may not perform as intended, and using it can lead to various issues, such as poor coverage, inconsistent color, and failure to adhere . Additionally, if the paint has been contaminated with mold, bacteria, or other harmful substances, using it can be a health hazard.

Can I use paint that has thickened?

Signs of damage: If the paint has gone bad, it will look curdled like cottage cheese or overly thick like a pudding. If you dig out an old can of paint and you have either of these, it's best not to use the paint and dispose of it properly .

Is it okay to use paint that has separated?

Trust us—if it smells bad in the can, it will smell bad on your walls, so it's best to skip this paint and buy a fresh can. In general, it's okay to use paint that has separated . Simply turn the can upside down a few times, give it a gentle stir or use a paint stick to reincorporate the paint.

What happens if you use paint that has gone off?

It won't adhere as well to the surface and will most likely come up patchy when dry . Also off paint can have a sour odour which you might not notice until you have finished painting. If you do use gone off paint you will need to strip off the walls and ceilings where you used the paint and start again.

Can I use paint that smells bad?

Although opened paint can last up to around two years (if stored properly), you can usually tell if it has spoiled by looking at the expiration date. If however, it gives off a foul, rancid smell you should probably get rid of it (see further down to dispose of stale paint responsibly).

Is it good to paint over old paint?

If the existing paint is in good condition, with small spots, stains, and damage, and there is not much difference between the type and color of the new and old paint, you can repaint the walls without removing the whole paint.

How long can you keep paint once opened?

Once opened, most paint products, including Benjamin Moore, have a shelf life of two years . Considerations include environment, temperature fluctuations and other variables.

How long can paint sit before it needs to be shaken again?

It would not hurt to give it a good shaking even after only 24 hours . My general approach is to shake or stir it each time I need to use it. If it has been sitting for more than 6 months, I take it back to the paint store and have it shaken in their machine.

How To Tell If Old Paint Is Still Usable (2024)

We all have a couple of cans of paint floating around our homes somewhere. Maybe it’s that can of bright red you thought you would be bold with, and then changed your mind. Or maybe it’s a half can of white you keep around for touch-ups that rarely get touched up. Since there are so many projects to do with leftover paint, you may be wondering: is this old paint still usable? If you’re wondering how to tell if your paint is off, you’re in the right place, but first, let’s understand if paint really goes bad or not.

Does Paint Go Bad or Expire?

Yes, paint can go bad or expire. How long the paint is going to last depends on how you store it and the base of the paint. If it’s an unopened paint, it tends to last more than the one that was exposed to weather conditions. Just like oil-based paint will probably last longer than latex and water-based paint. Check how long paint can last for each scenario below:

Unopened Paint

Opened Paint

If the can of paint you want to use is opened, there may still be hope. When paint is exposed to the air for long periods of time, it changes the chemical make up which is why old paint cannot be used sometimes. To check if yours is okay, you will have to open the can and stir up the contents. Before you do, be sure to remove the layer of thickened skin on the top. Once this is gone, you can stir the paint and then test it on a piece of cardboard. If the paint goes on normally, your old paint is safe to use! If not, another trip to the paint store is in order.

Paint Exposed to Weather

If you’ve been keeping a can of paint on your back porch or in your garage for several years, it’s likely the paint is not in the best condition. This is because paint cannot handle being exposed to extreme heat and cold. Even fully sealed contents may not survive our Canadian weather. It’s worth doing the paint test described above just to check. Remember that smooth paint is fine to use, but if it’s lumpy and grainy you’ll want to purchase a new can.

Below you’ll find the average costs of services across different cities in Canada:

City	Average	Minimum	Maximum
Barrie	$3,801	$300	$30,000
Calgary	$3,701	$100	$50,000
Edmonton	$3,538	$100	$40,000
Hamilton	$4,126	$100	$40,000
Oshawa	$3,198	$200	$50,000
Ottawa	$2,880	$100	$40,000
Toronto	$3,901	$100	$50,000
Vancouver	$4,997	$120	$50,000

*Costs based on 13,969 verified Canadian homeowner reviews as of March 2022

What are the dangers of using old paint?

Yes, there are some dangers associated with using old paint in certain scenarios. If your paint is from 1990 or earlier, it might contain lead or mercury, which can be harmful to your health. However, as long as the paint is smooth, it’s unlikely to pose any health risks, making it still usable after years of storage.

How Homestars Can Help You?

Now that you know how to check if your old paint is still usable, it’s time to get to work and start painting. If you would rather have someone else do the hard part for you, you can easily and quickly find a painting company on HomeStars. Whether you end up using your old paint or buy new, you’ll be happy someone else is doing the work for you!

Article Updated April 2024.

Jessica Greaves

Jessica is the Managing Editor at HomeStars who creates engaging content for homeowners as well as home service providers.