Rusty Can of Paint

1/7/2019 at 6:45:39 AM

Hi Martin,

Keeping your paint cans from rusting can be a tricky task.

First, when painting always try to work from a container and not necessarily the paint can itself, if you don't need to. Pour down the paint you'll need into something more manageable like a Handy Pail. That way the can stays clean, will close tighter, and is less likely to rust.

Secondly, where you keep the can matters. Try to keep it in a dry place where there's not a lot of humidity and moisture. Obviously, the environment and temperature will have an effect on your stored paint.

Lastly, some tips that we use when a can has rusted but we still want to work with the paint or salvage some remaining paint for later are to:

1. Open the can carefully to ensure that no paint or rust drops into the can. Then using a rag or cloth try to break away the loose rust while being careful to catch all the pieces as they come away.

2. Next, take your brush and lightly coat the rim of the can with a layer of paint, being careful to apply the paint gently somas not to knock any rust into the can.

3. Then wait a few minutes to allow the paint to dry and create a seal over the rust so that the stuff around the rim won't come away and drop into your can.

4. Finally, pour the contents of the can into a new container (e.g. a paint tray if you're using the remainder that day, or a new can that you've purchase from a retailer).

If you notice rust pieces or flakes in the paint, purchase a screen (low cost of around $1-3 at local hardware store) and put it over top of the can before pouring it into a new container. The screen will allow good paint through but catch the pieces of dried paint or rust that you don't want in your paint!

Hopefully that helps! Always work clean and make sure your cans are sealed tight with a light tap of a rubber mallet or piece of wood on the top of the can.

Happy painting!

1/7/2019 at 12:14:49 PM

Empty the remaining can into plastic container it will last way longer in plastic container sealed

1/7/2019 at 3:36:18 PM

Hello Martin,

I would recommend you to store any left over paint in an airtight bag to avoid the air to come in the can and cause oxidation. Also, always keep any paint in a dry and cool area away from furnaces and any other heat-producing appliances.

Stay safe and keep painting on!!

Regards,

Virginia

Chrome 509

1/10/2019 at 11:09:36 AM

Use a "handy pail" and there liners and youll never have a problem again!!

1/18/2019 at 1:50:21 PM

Hi DIY painter,

After using a partial quantity of paint please ensure that the rims are wiped clean and the lid is secured properly by hammering it with a rubber mallet, to ensure an air-tight lid closure. Also ensure that too much force is not used while hammering in the lids as it tends to dent the lid and the rim. Also the air-tightness can be doubly secured by running a strip of duct tape around the can. Ensure that cans are stored in room temperature and not directly on concrete floors as the cans tend to get rusty from the bottom. Hope this helps.