House painting is an exciting project that can breathe new life into any space. When the job is complete, however, many homeowners find they have little or no idea what to do with the residual paint cans. Whether you tried DIY painting or called a professional painter for the task, it’s crucial to store and secure the leftover supplies correctly to ensure total safety. 

What Your Painter Wants You to Know About Storing Excess Supplies

1. Avoid the Floor 

While your first instinct may be to simply place old, semi-filled paint cans on the floor of your garage, this can actually be quite dangerous. Concrete floors can get extremely cold, especially in the winter, so it’s important to keep the cans away from the floor, as they can contract and combust. Place them on a wide shelf where the paint inside can remain level so as to retain usability. 

2. Keep Them Warm 

Frozen paint cans are not only dangerous, but also inefficient, as the contents inside are unusable. If your garage, basement, or storage room is notoriously cold or is exposed to the outdoors, find an alternate storage place for your paints. Areas with some warmth, like a sunny shed or well-lit pantry, will keep the paint from thickening, clumping, or freezing over. 

3. Store Them Upside Down 

Once you have secured the top of the can with a mallet and concealed all gaps around the perimeter, store the can upside down. This keeps the paint from congealing and will help you avoid the layer of “skin” that forms over the top when it is left unused for some time. 

Are you in the market for a reliable painter in Lakeville, MN? If so, it’s time to get in touch with the team at T.K. Painting & Decorating. Boasting a strong reputation for quality work and unparalleled customer service, this all-inclusive house painting company can handle any job, big or small. For more information, contact them online, or give them a call at (952) 210-5963.