There’s a Right Way – and a Wrong Way – to Store and Dispose of Paint

Once the painting project is done, most homeowners probably don’t think twice about the way they store and dispose of their house paint. Logically, it should be just like every other consumable household good–keep a tight lid on it, and throw it in the trash when you’re done. Right? Believe it or not, the answer might not be quite so simple.

The Orlando house painting professionals at New Ceilings are dedicated to being both environmentally and economically friendly. With that in mind, they have a few pointers for you to help you get the most paint for your money and avoid any damage to your planet:

• First of all, know why you should keep it in the first place. As the saying goes, life happens. Even the most prudent homeowners will come up against scratches and dings at some point, whether they come from rowdy kids, moving furniture, the dog, or something else. Keeping some leftover paint on hand will ensure you don’t have to make a trip out to the store when the time comes, and you’ll also know you have the exact match on hand.

• Air and paint do not mix. The goal when storing your house paint is to keep air away from the paint as much as possible. We recommend putting a layer of plastic wrap between the lid and the can, and using a rubber mallet to close the lid as tightly as possible. Store the paint can upside down in a dry, cool area away from sunlight and you’ll get the best preservation possible.

• Pay attention to paint type for disposal. The type of paint you used will determine how you dispose of it. If you used latex paint, mix in equal parts kitty litter, and let it dry for an hour, or until it won’t spill. Return the paint-soaked litter to the can and throw in the trash. With oil-based paint, however, you’ll need to find a proper recycling center. You can always ask friends if they need your paint, or save it for a later project with our storage tips.

By leaving the smallest possible mark on the environment, you can do well to protect your family and your home. When you’re ready for your next Orlando house painting project, get in touch with the experts at New Ceilings. Not only can we match you with your perfect Sherwin-Williams colors, we can help you store and dispose of everything properly. Call 407-378-6040 to schedule your appointment today.