Hey all!

When it comes to storing your beloved Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan (or generically- any paint you have) – this information from The Purple Painted Lady™ should help you!

Since there are variables that come into play in regards to determining how long you can store paint- I will share that I have paint cans that are 3.5 years old and the paint is still perfectly fine in both color and consistency.

TIPS THAT WILL HELP IN THE SHELF LIFE:

1) the edges of the can MUST be cleaned off so no paint is puddled in the reservoir.  

Do this either by using your brush and cleaning out the circle.  (even take a paper towel and fold into a point and run that around it.)

OR

Paint Can Rim Cleaner Tool (which works like a plow)  Want one?  CLICK HERE

Boy- don’t we need a manicure! (did you see the post photo above?)

OR

Some people will take a nail and puncture a few holes straight down into the reservoir, so any accumulating paint – will drip back into the quart.

These steps will prevent rusting, which sadly- we all know happens over time.

Also- you won’t get that crusty paint around the top, which can fall back into the quart or onto your brush and then- the piece you are painting. No one likes crusty, unless we are sitting in Paris eating fresh baked French bread!

2. the paint should be stored in ambient temperature (This is suggested to be 55 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit)  SO- do not leave paint in the garage, work shed, or against an exterior basement wall)

3. no tap water has been added to the paint in the can. 

If wanting to thin your paint- ideally – pour some paint into a separate container- like a margarine container that has a lid.  Mix your paint in that versus the quart if using only a partial.

* Thinning your paint with a little water will help achieve a smoother finish – but no more than 20% though.
* Start with less water …and mix till you get a consistency that you want. (remember- you can always add more water, but you only have so much paint- so be careful)
* Use Distilled Water if adding directly to your quart and then planning on storing would be the best situation – since there is no bacteria in Distilled Water.  And since distilled water is “pure water” and organisms cannot form from nothing….technically- if you use distilled water- there should be NO introduction of bacteria at all into your paint.  (Reference this post if you are a science geek and want to read up more on how this was proven)

4. if the paint is going to be stored for awhile, it can help to lay a piece of plastic wrap on top of the remaining paint down in the can.  Literally sealing it at the surface, then place the lid on tightly.

5. Use a rubber mallet to close the lid- NOT a hammer.

6. We sell Paint-EZE bottles which makes dispensing of paint a breeze.  Seriously- dump your quart into the Paint-EZE bottle and then, literally squirt your paint directly on to the surface you are painting and immediately spread with your paint brush.  I love these bottles, but I do not like to store my paint in them for months and months.  I find that the paint coagulates slightly on the outer walls and then when I squeeze the bottle, that dried paint may flake back into the bottle.  Again- these bottles are fantastic to work with for big projects- but when I am storing my paint for long lengths time, I am totally old school and prefer leaving it in the quart.  Now with that said- if interested in buying Paint-EZE bottles- click HERE.

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The Purple Painted Lady™ ~ the serial no. is 86/641,416 with the US Trademark Office