For future do-it-yourself tasks, spray paint is one of those helpful materials to have stashed away and ready to use. On the other hand, it often remains unused for extended periods between applications. During this time, you have no way of knowing whether or not it is still safe to use. In general, does spray paint expire?
The shelf life of spray paint is typically between two and three years. Checking the expiry date, which should be marked on the bottom of the can, is vital since this time limit could be shorter or longer for some brands and varieties; therefore, it is necessary to verify this date.
Most people are familiar with storing oil paints for an extended period of time. However, does the same rule apply to spray paints? Most newly emerging painters are clueless about how to prevent their paint cans from going bad or what can speed up the process. Let’s take a look at all you need to know about the shelf life of spray paint and how long it stays effective.
How Long Does Unused Spray Paint Last?
When it comes to spray paint cans, the general rule of thumb is that they have a shelf life of between two and three years from the day they were produced. However, it might vary depending on the manufacturer.
For instance, certain spray paints made by Montana have a shelf life of ten years. When it comes to spray paint, just like with other items, the higher the quality of the spray paint you choose, the longer it is likely to endure. What you pay for is what you get.
The aerosols are typically the source of most problems with the cans. After a prolonged period, they can start to lose pressure, and the expiration dates are typically regarding how long the aerosol will last in the spray can instead of the expiration date of the paint.
What Happens When Spray Paint Goes Bad?
Spray paint that has gone bad might become clogged up and become useless as a result. If you are in the process of planning a project and the paint suddenly stops functioning, it may not be delightful. Nevertheless, you may do a few things to get your spray paint back up and running in working order.
After being used, the shelf life of any aerosol product is directly proportional to how the product was kept. Spray paint must be held in dark, dry, and cold locations. The product’s composition may shift, rendering it unsuitable, if it is exposed to temperatures that are either too hot or too cold for an extended period of time.
Spray paints are popular among crafters because of their quick-drying properties and wide range of colour options, regardless of whether the project will be completed inside or outside. However, once the can of spray paint has been opened and utilised, it has the potential to dry up very fast.
In the event that anything like this occurs with your spray paint, there are a few things you may do to restore the spray back to functioning correctly. Before each usage, ensure that the bottle has been well shaken. This ensures that all of the components are incorporated into the dish in the correct manner.
Last but not least, before you use your spray paint again, consider soaking the can in some warm water for a few minutes beforehand. The heat generated by the water should be capable of reviving any dried paint that may be contained inside the container, allowing you to keep producing beautiful works of art.
How to utilise spray paint after the aerosol has been used up
Even if it turns out that the problem is a loss of pressure in the aerosol can, there is a significant probability that the paint that was contained inside the can is still useful. You may decant the paint and use it with an airbrush or spray paint gun to reduce the amount of paint wasted and save money for different paint.
To remove the paint from the can, use a pointed instrument to create a tiny hole near the top of the can. This will allow the paint to flow out of the can. Before slicing the can open and pouring the paint into a jar that can be sealed or straight into the jug of the spray gun, you should give the can some time for the extra pressure to release.
Before using or storing decanted paint, ensure it has been well stirred to liberate any gas and propellant that may still be present in the paint.
How to Determine if the Spray Paint Has Expired?
If you want to know whether or not your spray paint is still good, look for these signs:
Container That is Swollen or Puffed-up
Due to the fact that the paint has gone bad, the bottle will have a bloated or expanded appearance. This puffing is caused by paint-eating bacteria, which are a consequence of chemical processes within the spray can that release gases.
Foul Smell
If after spraying the paint, you detect a strong foul smell or a putrid odour, the paint has either gone beyond its expiration date or gone bad.
Irregular Consistency
When you use a can of expired spray paint, the paint you create will have an uneven texture and colour.
Paint May Appear Streaky
Because some sections will be painted more heavily, the paint will have a spotted appearance. Aside from that, the colour will change, and certain sides will dry more quickly than others.
Clogged Nozzle
When spray paint has been allowed to expire, the nozzle will get clogged or obstructed. This obstruction can be explained by the fact that the paint below has hardened. If you compress the valve, it won’t be easy to open it again afterwards. This is a more common issue with spray paints left open.
Causes that Expire Spray Paint Before Expiry Date.
Several different circumstances cause the early expiration of spray paint cans. The following elements can potentially reduce the longevity of spray paint cans and their overall quality.
1. Temperature of Environment
The spray can is particularly sensitive to the temperature in its immediate environment. When the temperature is high, the paint will become brittle and break. Paint with cracks won’t even come out of the container.
In addition, conditions such as low temperature and high humidity negatively impact the can, causing it to deteriorate before its expiration date.
2. Relative Humidity at stored place
The relative humidity is another factor contributing to the paint’s premature deterioration. The relative humidity affects both the chemical makeup of the paint can and the amount of moisture that is contained inside it.
As a result, the paint contained within the can becomes tacky and useless. The paint will remain wetter for a longer time when the humidity levels are higher; this may make the paint lumpy and unusable.
3. Direct Sunlight falling
Paint cans can become brittle, lose their colour, or dry out before expiration if they are improperly kept in direct sunlight. The intense light from the sun causes the compounds to degrade and become brittle before their time, which causes the reaction.
4. Aerosol Pressures
When you open the can of spray but don’t use it as regularly as is advised, the aerosol pressure within the spray might gradually decrease over time. When a can is opened but only sometimes used, the aerosol pressure gradually decreases until it is no longer effective.
Therefore, the paint has not been damaged and is still accessible despite the lack of pressure. Paint has a significant risk of being spoiled before its expiration date if it is not subjected to the pressure necessary to maintain the integrity of the seal over time.
5.External Impurities Mixing
Through the tube, extraneous particles such as oxygen, dirt, and UV rays are able to enter the can of paint each time it is opened and used. When they combine with the chemical contained therein, they produce a reaction that may cause the spray to become contaminated before its time has passed.
Even while little can be done to prevent this kind of response, you may purchase quality spray cans equipped with blueback technology, which prevents external pollutants from entering the can.
Expected Lifespan of Today’s Most Widely Used Spray Paints?
It’s a good idea to do some homework on the many types of spray paint available so you can choose one that works for your projects and job. It’s helpful to be familiar with the benefits offered by various brands.
Rust-Oleum Spray Paint
Primarily, metal is the intended surface for this type of paint. It can withstand the sun’s rays without deteriorating and dries quickly. Because of its oily makeup, it is excellent for coating metal surfaces to prevent weathering and corrosion.
Their spray cans have a revolutionary trigger design that makes them easy to work with for extended periods. Unopened cans of Rust-Oleum have a shelf life of around three years frm the date of manufacture.
Krylon Spray Paint
Like many other industrial-strength paints, Krylon is also great for use on metal and as a rust preventative. It may be adaptable to various uses, like the ColorMaster cans that can be used on various substrates.
Krylon claims its product has a three- to four-year shelf life from the date of creation, provided it is stored properly during that time.
Montana Spray Paint
This spray paint is a must-have in the world of graffiti and street art. The spray paint method is intended for use in graffiti and large-scale murals. Their renowned Gold and Black lines offer customers a choice between acrylic paint for Gold and lacquer paint for Black.
Montana stands by its spray cans, saying you can use them for up to ten years after purchase if you store them properly.
Ironlak Spray Paint
The usage of this brand in street art has become increasingly common. The vibrant colours, easy controls, and reasonable prices have made them a hit with customers. Ideal for a wide range of tasks, inside and out, and across all substrates.
Because Ironlak paints are made with the user and the environment in mind, they have lower VOC levels (Volatile Organic Compounds) levels than competing brands. The cans have a lifespan of around two years beyond their manufacturing date.
FAQs Related to Spray Paint Expiration
Is It Safe to Keep Spray Paint in the Garage?
The cans of spray paint are extremely flammable. As a result, you need to keep them properly to extend their useful life and reduce the likelihood of any negative effects.
High temperatures may degrade paint quality and increase the risk of cans bursting or starting fires, so it’s best to keep paint out of the garage. Store your paints in a cool, dry place out of the reach of direct sunlight and far from any sources of ignition.
How Long Does Rustoleum Spray Paint Last?
The paint’s shelf life will be drastically reduced if the aerosol cans are stored upside down, on their sides, or their caps. Unopened cans of Rust-Oleum spray paint have a shelf life of between five and ten years from the date of manufacture.
What is the Best Way to Dispose of Old Spray Paint?
If the spray paint is no longer usable in any of the methods mentioned above, it should be discarded if there is no more food in the can. In other words, you may throw them in with the rest of your recyclables.
The alternative is to separate it from the rest of your recyclables and either wait for a collection scheduled by the local government or transport it to a dedicated recycling centre. Before discarding a can, be sure to check local recycling regulations as well as the can’s instructions.
Does Paint Spray Go bad if it freezes?
Yes, freezing the spray paint may permanently impact the integrity of the paint and might damage the emulsion in paint. It means consistency and texture may be ruined permanently if it is frozen for long time.
Final Words
Cans of spray paint are susceptible to drying out and going bad if they are not kept correctly. If you want your paint to remain fresh and usable for longer, follow the guidelines for proper storage.
If you have any reason to believe that the paint may be old, you should always verify the date printed on the bottom of the container. When it comes to painting, this might be the deciding factor between a quality job and a sloppy one.
