The Clever Wax Paper Trick That'll Save Your Paint From Drying Up In The Can

We often treat paint cans the way we treat leftovers — we promise ourselves we'll "use them soon," but shove them into a corner somewhere without thought. After prying the paint can lid back open some time later, you discover an unsightly leathery film staring back at you. At this point, most of us assume that the paint dried because of how long it was stored for, but that's not necessarily the case. You'd be surprised to know that once opened, paint can last up to one to two years. The main culprit here is the air. Every time you open the lid, air makes its way in. And once that happens, oxidation begins its slow betrayal. The solvents that keep your paint smooth start evaporating, kind of like how soup thickens when left uncovered. No wonder improper paint storage is among the common mistakes everyone makes when painting. But the good thing is, creativity thrives where problems dare to exist. A simple sheet of wax paper can save you from the heartbreak of seeing your paint dry.

The truth is, paint is high-maintenance. And no, it has nothing to do with quality or the brand you own. Regardless of where you buy it from, it is bound to react to elements like temperature swings, oxygen, and even dust. But keeping it happy isn't hard once you know the best way to store your leftover paint.

Before you place that half-full paint into a dusty corner, you need to make sure it doesn't become rubbery the next time you open it. Grab that roll of wax paper from your kitchen and trace the lid by placing it upside down on the paper. Or, if you prefer, place the wax paper directly over the can with the lid sealed and trace around it. Once done, cut it out carefully.

Now, open the can and let the wax paper circle float gently on the paint's surface. This will block the air and keep things smooth underneath. Pop the lid back on snugly and store it somewhere cool and temperature-controlled, ideally far from heat or the furnace because paint's flammable. Besides the risk of fire, excessive heat can also mess with your paint's texture over time.

When it's time to paint again, just lift the wax paper off. You'll find your paint exactly how you left it: fresh and ready to roll. It's among those clever wax paper tricks that only take five seconds, but make future-you grateful.