Paint in the can life span?

[T]

Hi All,

I have some paint in the can, never opened. How many years is it good for? I believe it is seven years old.

Many thanks,

-T

[Thomas]

I think 7 is cool. I have opened stuff for 20 that works for touch ups. Not a pro, just my 2.

[Ed Pawlowski]

Should be good even if latex. If oil based it can easily to 10+

[T]

Thank you! The s--- was expensive!

[gfretwell]

An old painter told me as long as the air doesn't get to the solvent, paint lasts a real long time but you might need a shaker to get it going again. When you store paint, transfer it to the smallest air tight container it will completely fill, even if you have to throw some away. I like those screw top Glad containers if I only have a half pint or so left. You can see the color through the container but I still put a dab on the top. That works well for a little touch up. If you leave a pint in the bottom of a gallon can for very long, you might as well just throw it away. (in the proper haz mat place)

[T]

Thank you! I never opened the can.

[vjp2.at]

Just for amusement, but ca 2003 we trashed a thirty year old hard as rock can of paint but my uncle who had bought it came back from a trip and said we shouldn't have, all it would take was some turpentine. (Yes, he's the brilliant but stubborn engineer who spent five hours unclogging the bathtub himself.)