One of the areas in home improvement in which I need improvement is taking better care of paint once I’ve finished a job. I hammer the lid back on the can and store it in a locked cabinet in my garage. It sometimes sits there for years and isn’t usable after all that time.
That’s why I read with a mixture of guilt and determination the information I received recently from the National Paint & Coatings Association, a trade group. It dealt with leftover paint. Here are some of the things the group advises that may be of interest to you.
In the first place, the association recommends that you only buy what you need and use it up. Instead of one coat, perhaps you should apply two. Use up any leftover paint if possible.
If you have to buy more than you need because the paint doesn’t come in a smaller-size can, store it properly. It can last for years. Make sure the lid is on tight and doesn’t leak. Then store it upside down. The paint will create a tight seal around the lid. (I’ve never done that, but I’m going to try it.)
If you’ve got good paint left over and don’t want to store it, donate to a church, community group or some worthy cause.
Here’s how the association recommends you dispose of paint.
– Latex. Unused latex paint should be poured into an absorbent material, such as cat box filler, shredded newspaper or sawdust.
Let it dry completely and dispose of the dried material in your regular trash.
In areas with recycling programs, save the dry, empty containers with the lids off for a steel can recycling program. Small amounts of dried residue will not hinder can recycling.
Wash your paint brushes and painting tools in the sink. Never clean your paint brushes near a storm drain.
– Solvent-based paint. Save leftovers for disposal in a household hazardous-waste program or contact your local government for guidance on reuse or disposal.
Where recycling programs exist, save the dry, empty containers with the lids off for a steel can recycling program.
Clean paint brushes and painting tools with paint thinner or turpentine.
OK, that takes care of paint cans. But what about aerosol sprays? Here’s what the association recommends.
Check the label instructions before getting rid of it. Don’t puncture the can or toss it into an incinerator.
If the can is empty, recycle the container in a steel can recycling program.
Spray cans that cannot be used up or donated should be saved for a household hazardous-waste collection day or taken to a hazardous-waste collection site.
Paint thinners, mineral spirits and turpentine can be reused, the association says. It recommends that you let solid paint particles settle to the bottom of the container before decanting the clear liquid into a clean, closed container.
A note of safety: If the container you’re working with is different from the paint product you decanted, the container should be clearly labeled and stored so children cannot reach it.
