Is it ok to store emulsion paint outdoors - in one of those plastic garden containers? If the paint freezes, is it useless afterwards? I guess oil based paints will be ok (?). I'm trying to free-up some space in the garage! Seems an impossible task.
storing paint in plastic garden container
Dec 11, 2014
5 Replies
In message , dave writes
All my paints are either in the garage or a brick shed (part of the garage). Some of them are years old, and the emulsions must have been frozen at some time (although not deeply). After maybe a bit of a stir (even for those that say "DO NOT STIR"), I've never found that they don't work.
Will you ever use it again though? Might be worth offering it to a charity that does up old homes and if they don't want it dump it on the recyclers. Brian
Freezing "breaks" the emulsion in water based paints, so you have a pot full of the original ingredients, but they're not joined together and won't form a proper coating
These new water based paints don't like being frozen. Neither does PVA glue.
Car bodyshops (which very largely use water-based paints these days) have to put considerable effort into paint storage to ensure that the paint doesn't get exposed to too low a temperature. This includes having to purchase and run special heating equipment.
Join the Discussion
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Didn't find your answer?
Ask the community — no account required