Revive Old Paint In The Garage For Free So It Doesn't Go To Waste With This Tip

Most of us keep cans of paint somewhere in the garage. They are either leftovers from a makeover project or just excess stocks in anticipation of future touch-ups. However, when left untouched or unopened for so long, paint has the tendency to separate, with the heavier solid pigments finding their way to the bottom. Over time, the liquid components can evaporate, leaving the pigments and binders to harden. While there are clever ways to use leftover paint instead of letting it rot in the garage, these are only good and possible if the coating hasn't separated or dried up. There's also a plastic wrap hack that can save paint for future use, but this only prevents it from drying. So what should you do to revive old paint? You take it back to the store.

Unbeknownst to many people, many home improvement stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace, and True Value offer free paint shaking. This little-known service allows customers to bring in their old cans of paint so they can run them through the industrial shaker and bring back their creamy consistency. There is even an option to adjust or re-tint the paint, so it matches the shade you need for a touch-up. And this too will not cost you anything. Considering how the price of paint has steadily increased in recent years, tossing out an old can before trying this free rejuvenation option means you'd be wasting both materials and money.

Free paint shaking is perhaps one of the most overlooked services at hardware and home improvement shops. It's common for homeowners to forget about their old paint lying around somewhere until they realize the need to use it again. As such, the service comes in handy when planning a remodel or makeover, revisiting an old painting project, performing a partial repaint on damaged walls, or doing touch-up work on furniture and cabinetry inside the house. Re-tinting is also just as useful when a specific shade you used before has become hard to find or no longer available. Stores offer these services because they know for a fact that paint is finicky. However, do note that not all shops offer them for free. It's best to ask your local store page before bringing your paint cans over.

In addition, you need to be mindful of the state of your leftover paint before availing this service. Like other stains and coatings, paints do expire. An unopened latex typically lasts up to 10 years, while unopened oil-based paints can remain viable for up to 15 years, provided you stored them properly. By this, we mean in a cool, dry place and not somewhere with unpredictable temperature changes and harsh conditions. If your old paint is way past its prime and no longer shows signs of possible revival, it's best to skip this service and dispose of your old paint properly.