How do I store leftover paint?

You gazed at paint chips until your eyes crossed. You agonized over creating the perfect custom color. Now that you have finished painting, you want to hang on to the leftover paint in case you need to do touch-ups later.

How can you keep the paint fresh for as long as possible?

The key: Keep the can air-tight. Here's how:

• Wipe the lip of the paint can clear of paint globs and dirt.
• Lay plastic wrap across the top of the can.
• Tap the lid into place with a rubber mallet. Using a rubber mallet will minimize damage to the lip and lid. If the seal is damaged, it won't be air-tight.
• Trim the excess plastic wrap from around the edges and apply masking tape around the lid.
• Paint a dab of color on top of the lid so you'll know what's inside of the can. Use a permanent marker to record the date and room you painted.

Once you have sealed the can, it will keep in the garage for several months. Still, Arizona’s extreme heat will shorten the paint's life, but it is not a good idea to store paint indoors, where fumes can get into your indoor air.
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