How to Store Leftover Paint
There are plenty of smart and easy ways to store leftover paint once you
have completed an interior or exterior painting project. Storing any remaining
paint is highly recommended, as it helps to prevent unnecessary waste
and can save money on paint-related costs in the future.
For instance, a newly painted room may appear picture perfect at first
glance, but often people will find that an extra coating is needed for
touch-ups around small or overlooked areas. If you stored your paint properly
upon completing the project, this little bit of foresight will save you
a trip to the hardware store to buy more paint. You can also tie unrelated
projects together by using leftover paint to add colorful accents to other
areas of your home or business.

One of the most common ways to store excess paint requires the following items:
- Paper towels
- Plastic wrap
- Rubber mallet
Once a painting project is completed, you will want to prep for storage
immediately so that the remaining paint does not dry. Start by wiping
paint off the sides of the can using a disposable paper towel. Then carefully
remove any tarps from the floor and discard or store for later use. If
you used painter’s tape, remove it slowly at a 45-degree angle to
ensure clean lines.
After the initial clean-up is finished, proper paint storage is as easy
as 1, 2, 3:
- Add a sheet of plastic wrap to cover the open lid area and place the paint
can lid on top of the wrap.
- Use a rubber mallet to hammer the lid back in place.
- Store the paint can upside down in a cool, dry area to prevent air from
entering the can

If you consider yourself to be more of the “DIY” type, there
is another fun way you can store paint for later use.
Here is what you will need:
- Clear mason jars
- Sticker labels
- Ink pen or marker
Place your uncapped mason jars and paint cans on top of a paint tarp to
avoid spills onto the counter or floor. Newspapers will also work in lieu
of tarps, but be sure to layer multiple papers on top of each other to
avoid seepage. Now that everything is set up, you are ready to begin:
- Carefully pour any leftover paint into the mason jars
- Place mason lids on top of the jars and spin until the lids are closed tight
- Apply a sticker label to each jar and use a marker or pen to note the paint color
If you have a lot of paint, this particular method makes it easier to differentiate
between multiple shades of a similar color. It also makes for a more attractive
storage option if you want to leave your paint somewhere other than the
basement or garage. Not only that, but mason jars also allow for easy
supply storage, like for small brushes and sponges.

Lastly, always remember that safety is key. Keep in mind that paint contains
chemicals that can be harmful to curious animals and infants. Always store
your paint in a safe area such as a locked cabinet or in a high area out
of reach from your little ones.
When disposing of paint, allow the paint to dry with the lid off before
throwing it in the trash or recycling bin, and never pour your paint down
a drain such as a bathtub or sink.
If you’re ever not sure about something, you can always contact your
local interior painting contractors for any
questions you may have about proper safe handling and storage.
Happy painting!
Contact us to learn more about our paint services.