Painted walls, trim, ceilings, doors, cabinets have to be repainted on occasion, whether it's due to age, scuff marks, fading, or scratches, so it's good to have paint around for occasional paint touch-ups. But leftover paint does eventually go bad, and many people end up with multiple old cans of paint sitting in storage. Particularly if you're an avid DIYer, you may have a closet full of paint that you don't want to throw out—but you're also not sure if you can still use it. You've probably found yourself shaking up a near-empty can of paint wondering, “How long does paint last, and how can you tell when it goes bad?"
Luckily, there is a definitive answer to those questions, and, depending on the specific type of paint you have, this simple guide will tell you how long that paint should last and when it's expired.
Tips for Choosing Interior Paint Colors
How Long Does Paint Last?
Not all paint is created equal when it comes to how long it will last. An unopened can of latex paint lasts an average of 10 years, while unopened cans of oil-based paint last up to 15 years. However, used cans of paint go bad much faster and may only last for one to two years.
While oil-based or latex paint will last two years or more if stored properly once opened, chalk paint will likely only make it a year. Meanwhile, poor milk paint will barely stay good a week. Store each in a cool, dark place to hit the upper end of their lifespan.
These estimates are for paint in pristine original condition, still sealed from the paint store, and never used,
Three factors—air, impurities, and temperature—determine the longevity of paint. Introducing air to the paint will make it harden and solidify. Once the can of paint is opened, the surface of the paint will begin to skin over. An unopened can of paint might last up to 10 years. But poorly sealed can of paint, which allows air to get in, might last for only a few months. You may be able to add water to older latex paint to increase its lifespan. Additionally, impurities in the paint, especially organic material like leaves, grass, or pollen, will rapidly age paint by turning it rancid. You'll know the difference because good paint has a vaguely sweet smell. Bad paint has a sharp, sour smell, like mildew. Lastly, paint should be stored in temperatures between 60 and 80°F.
Tip
Liquid on the top and solids on the bottom do not necessarily mean that the paint is bad. All paint will separate over time. Instead of stirring by hand, take the paint back to the store where you purchased it and have them shake it up on the mixer.
Average Lifespan of Common Paint Types
| Paint Type | Lifespan |
| Oil-based paint | 2 to 15 years |
| Acrylic paint | 2 to 10 years |
| Water-based latex paint | 2 to 10 years |
| Limewash paint | 5 to 10 years |
| Chalk paint | 1 to 5 years |
| Milk paint (pre-mixed) | 3 to 5 years |
| Milk paint (powdered) | 1 to 7 days |
Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint lasts for up to 15 years in an unopened, sealed can or up to 10 years after opening the can, if it's been properly sealed.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint can last up to 10 years in an unopened, sealed can, assuming it's kept in a cool, dark, dry place. It will generally last up to 2 years after opening the can, if it's been properly sealed, though some experts estimate it can last up to a decade.
Water-Based Latex Paint
Water-based latex paint could last between two and 10 years depending on the source. PPG, the manufacturer of PPG Paints and Glidden Paints, estimates that an unopened can of latex paint will last for two years before it goes bad.
For some of its paints, Sherwin-Williams estimates paint shelf life to be one year. Less specific, Behr notes that its interior latex paint's shelf life is "years." However, the consensus among paint and home improvement experts is that latex paint that has been well preserved has a shelf life of as much as 10 years.
Limewash Paint
Limewash paint lasts for 5 to 10 years, possibly even longer if it's unopened. Because it's only made of lime, water, and pigment, it's a simple solution that doesn't easily go bad.
Chalk Paint
Chalk paint lasts for up to one year according to original manufacturer Annie Sloan, though the company notes that it can "potentially last for several years."
Chalk paint does not film over like latex paint, but it will develop an overall thicker consistency. Old chalk paint that has thickened can be revived by adding water.
Milk Paint
Milk paint goes bad quickly. Mixed milk paint lasts only a day or two due to the inclusion of milk proteins. If refrigerated, milk paint may last up to a week. Some milk paints have additives that preserve them longer. Milk paint with its base and pigments still in dry, powdered form will last indefinitely, as long as it is kept dry and cool.
Tip
To properly dispose of paint, check with your local recycling plant.
How to Tell if Paint Is Bad
Several signs clearly indicate that the paint has gone bad:
Rancid- or Sour-Smelling Paint
After the lid is opened, some paint might have a sharp smell: rancid, foul, or sour. Other paint might smell like mold or mildew. If the smelly paint is applied, the smell may lessen but not disappear. Bacterial growth is the driver behind this smell.
Paint Has Been Repeatedly Frozen and Thawed
While you should try to prevent your mixed paint from freezing, one manufacturer, Glidden, states that frozen paint can be successfully thawed and used, as long as it is not clumpy and does not exhibit a foul odor. Paint experts, though, tend to agree that repeated freeze-thaw cycles will eventually break down paint.
Overly Lumpy Paint
It is natural for latex paint to develop a film on the top after some time. But if the paint has solidified past the point of a thin film, it is time to discard the paint. Solidified paint chunks cannot be dissolved by adding water.
Jelly-Like Consistency
One indication that paint is past its prime is when it is entirely or partially jelly-like: neither solid nor liquid but an in-between goopy substance that refuses to mix smoothly.
In some cases, you can try adding water to water-based paint or paint thinner to oil-based paint to try to thin out the paint.
How to Store Paint After Opening
A few simple techniques can help preserve the lifespan of your paint and prevent it from going bad too quickly:
- Store the paint in a temperate, dry place, in temperatures between 60 and 80°F
- Never allow the paint to freeze.
- Avoid all temperature spikes, whether high or low.
- Remove all impurities, especially organic matter such as leaves or grass.
- Add a small amount of water to older latex paint.
- Add a trace amount of thinner to older oil-based paint.
- Place paint in a plastic container since rust from metal cans might contaminate the paint.
- Before closing the lid, lay plastic kitchen wrap over the open container, then firmly tap down the lid, preferably with a rubber mallet to avoid denting the can.
- If the lid is so crusted with paint that it will not make a seal with the previous tip, lay the plastic wrap over the entire paint can, bring it down the side by several inches, and then put a rubber band over the can.
- If you're storing exterior paint, keep in mind that, while paint is designed to stand up to weather outdoors once dried, exterior paint needs to be stored in the same cool, dry conditions as interior paint to last.
How to Dispose of Expired Paint
Disposing of paint isn't as simple as throwing it in the trash can. There are different instructions based on the type of paint. If it's an empty acrylic paint can, you can let it dry, then throw it away. However, if there's excess paint, it will need to go to a disposal facility. Oil-based paint needs to be taken to a hazardous waste facility.
Water-based latex paints don't have the same environmental concerns as other types of paint, so these can be thrown out normally.
FAQ
What happens if I use old paint?
Expired paint will not adhere as well as fresh paint. But, while annoying, that's not the biggest risk. Paint that has gone bad could release more hazardous fumes and VOCs.
What is the longest lasting paint?
Oil-based paint is the longest-lasting interior paint option.
How do you make old paint usable again?
With some paint, including acrylic, latex, and chalk paint, you can add a little bit of water to make the old paint usable again. Oil paint can be softened by setting the can in hot water and then adding paint thinner.
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
6 Tips for Storing Leftover Paint & Shelf Life. Benjamin Moore & Company
Does Paint Expire? Glidden Paints
