Using or Storing Leftover Paint

You’ve just finished an outdoor painting project, and the can is still half full. It would be a shame to waste this perfectly good leftover paint.

Consider completing a small project with the leftover paint. If you used half the can on the first project, the leftover paint should cover any project that is smaller than the first one. If you painted a side table, maybe an ottoman would make a good second project. Or a sideboard that sits atop a metal frame.

You can also store leftover paint for future touchups. If you store it properly, paint can keep for several years. Close the lid tightly and store the can away from extreme temperatures. You can even stretch plastic wrap over the top before you tack the lid on to provide a better seal for the leftover paint.


Temperature maintenance is very important. Your leftover paint is flammable; don’t create a hazard by storing it close to a heat source. On the flip side, freezing is bad for water-based paints. Exposure to freezing conditions can cause these leftover paints to degrade quickly. So choose a storage location that will maintain a fairly moderate temperature year-round.

Check with your local waste disposal authorities before disposing leftover paint, as it’s considered a hazardous material.