Location

The first thing you need to consider when storing paint cans is where to put them. You want to choose a location that is cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This will prevent the paint from drying out, cracking, or changing color.

Some good places to store paint cans are:

• Your basement
• Your garage shelf
• Your closet
• Your utility room

Avoid places that are:

• Too hot or too cold
• Too humid or too damp
• Exposed to sunlight or fluorescent light
• Near flammable materials or sources of ignition

Stack 'Em Up

If you have limited space, you can stack your paint cans to save room. However, you need to be careful not to damage the lids or cause leaks. Here are some tips on how to stack paint cans safely:

• Place a piece of wax paper between each can to prevent them from sticking together
• Stack the cans upside down to create an airtight seal and prevent skinning
• Stack the cans from largest to smallest, with the heaviest ones on the bottom
• Don’t stack more than three cans high to avoid tipping over

Label 'Em Right

One of the most frustrating things about storing paint cans is forgetting what’s inside them. You don’t want to open a can and find out it’s not the color you need or it’s past its expiration date. That’s why labeling your paint cans is so important.

Here are some things you should write on your labels:

• The color name and code
• The date of purchase
• The room or project it was used for
• The type and finish of the paint
• The amount of paint left in the can

You can use a permanent marker, a sticker, or a piece of masking tape to label your cans. Make sure the labels are visible and easy to read.

Seal 'Em Tight

The last step in storing paint cans is making sure they are sealed properly. This will prevent air, moisture, dust, and bugs from getting into your paint and ruining it. Here are some tips on how to seal paint cans effectively:

• After each use, clean the rim of the can with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any excess paint
• Firmly hammer on the lid with a rubber mallet or a piece of wood until it snaps into place
• For an extra tight seal, cover the lid edge with plastic wrap before closing it up
• Store the can upside down to create an airtight seal and prevent skinning