Storing paint for the winter.

[sargentrs]

Winter's fast approaching and it's starting to get cold. I paid $300 for a gallon of my top coat and got about half left. What are the odds it's going to survive in my unheated basement/crawlspace. Dirt floor, no insulation. It doesn't get that bad around here and it stays a little warmer than outdoors down there but it will dip into the 40's in the basement. The can is well sealed. Will it still be useable next spring or should I find a place indoors to store it (my wife would kill me if she knew I paid that much for it )?

[chad67]

I've been storing my paint in my unheated detached garage for years with no problems.

[sargentrs]

Excellent! Thanks. I put it in a box and in a cabinet so hopefully it'll make it.

[chad67]

I have more problem getting the cans to seal, so I have more issues in the summer with the lids popping when it gets really hot in my garage!

[jimmy828]

I have about 3/4 gallon left that i will use next spring. I take and shake the can every once and awhile just to keep pigments from sticking to bottom.

[67 F100]

As was mentioned the lid sealing is the main problem.

Run a band of wide masking tape around the outside of the can and fold over on to the lid. I'm a little nutty about my higher end paint and also put them in a sealed plastic bag after doing the tape trick.

[sargentrs]

Thanks, guys! The paint supplier's product cans all have a big, thick, plastic ring that snaps on top of the can. Pretty cool gadget, never seen them before. You put the regular can lid on and tap it down tight, then put the ring on the top and tap it down tight. It's about 3/4" wide and you can feel a solid "snap" when you get it on good. PITA to get back off, though.

I have about 3/4 gallon left that i will use next spring. I take and shake the can every once and awhile just to keep pigments from sticking to bottom.

Good idea about mixing it up occasionally, jimmy I'll be down there cleaning and refurbing parts and getting them ready for paint next spring. I try to make it a point to do something on the truck about every week, even it's only thinking about it. I'll make it a point to shake the can while I'm down there.

Thanks to all for the input, tips and tricks!