How to Properly Store Paint and Supplies in Warm Weather
How to Properly Store Paint and Supplies in Warm Weather
When the sun is high and temperatures rise, most people think about enjoying the outdoors, not about how their leftover paint tins and painting supplies are coping in the heat. Yet warm weather can affect the quality of paint if it is not stored correctly, leaving you with clumpy textures, separated pigments, or even completely unusable paint when you go back for a touch-up job.
At Dekro Paints, we want your paint to look as good on the wall months later as it does the day you open the tin. Proper storage ensures your investment lasts, keeps colours true, and makes your next project easier. Let us look at how to store paint and supplies in warm weather so you can avoid waste and frustration.
Why Storage Matters More in Hot Conditions
Paint can be affected by temperature and how much air it is exposed to. On warm days, it might dry out too quickly, separate, or grow mould if it is in containers that are not sealed well. Similarly, your brushes, rollers, and trays can get damaged, becoming brittle or stuck with dried paint.
By storing everything properly, you can keep your paint’s texture and colour intact, make sure your tools are ready for next time, and save money by avoiding wasted supplies.
Best Places to Store Paint in Summer
Where you keep your paint is just as important as how you seal it. Garages and sheds are the obvious options, but in hot climates, they can become like ovens. Instead, use the following:
- Cool, dry indoor spaces: An indoor cabinet is preferable to a hot garage. Paint must be kept at a regular temperature, ideally between 10°C and 25°C.
- Keep away from direct sunlight: Heat and UV light can make paint deteriorate, causing it to thicken or separate.
- Off the ground: If paint must be stored in a workshop or garage, place tins on a shelf rather than standing them on the ground to avoid heat transfer from concrete.
How to Seal Paint Tins Properly
Even the finest-grade paint will go bad if air gets into the tin. When you are done painting, take a minute or two to close it up tight.
- Clean the rim: Paint left around the rim prevents it from sealing tightly and makes the lid harder to open next time.
- Cover with plastic wrap: Putting cling film across the opening before sealing lets an airtight seal set.
- Tap lightly with hammer: Tap the lid down slowly and evenly with a rubber mallet or board of wood. Do not hit too hard, because this will bend the lid.
- Store upside down: Some professionals recommend this trick, as it makes paint push harder against the lid, so that it seals better.
Sealing tins keeps moisture in and air out, and this keeps your paint fresher for a longer time.
Tips for Storing Water-Based and Solvent-Based Paints
Different paints react to heat differently, so it is well worth remembering their respective needs:
- Water-Based Paints: These will dry more quickly in warm temperatures. Keep lids tightly closed at all times and keep them out of high-humidity situations for long periods.
- Solvent-Based Paints: These tend to be more resistant, but their fumes can deteriorate in heat. Store and ventilate them in a cool situation.
How to Keep Brushes, Rollers, and Supplies in Good Shape
It is not just paint in itself that needs to be stored properly. Items like brushes, rollers, and trays can be costly to replace if left outside.
- Clean gently: Wash out water paints with warm soapy water. Clean solvent-based paints using the correct cleaning solution.
- Dry thoroughly: Wet equipment will draw in mould or rust in warm weather.
- Wrap brushes tightly: Wrap brush heads in cling film or foil after cleaning to preserve shape.
- Store standing: Store rollers and brushes standing up so bristles and fibres will not bend.
Taking the time to maintain your tools will pay off as they will survive more projects without sacrificing quality.
Label and Organise for Easy Use Later
The most prevalent mistake is to lose track of which tin belongs with what room or project. Once you are done painting, label each tin with:
- The room name or project.
- The date that you painted.
- The colour code or name so that you can re-order easily.
If using Dekro Paints, it is a good idea to have the colour reference handy. This allows you to easily make touch-ups and stay consistent should you need to order more down the road.
Signs That Paint Has Gone Bad
No matter what precautions you take with storage, paint always has an expiration date. Before you start your next project, watch for these warning signs:
- Off smell: Sour or mouldy odour is usually a sign that the paint has passed its useful lifespan.
- Clumps or skinning: Rubber-like lumps are a clear sign of spoilage.
- Separation that would not mix: A little separation is acceptable, but if you cannot mix it up smooth, the paint has spoiled.
If your paint is showing any of these signs, it is safest to have it professionally disposed of and start anew with a new tin.
Warm weather does not have to mean wasted paint or destroyed materials. If you keep your paint in cool, dry places, keep tins sealed tightly, and take care of brushes and rollers, you can make your next touch-up or job a success.
Here at Dekro Paints, we are committed to helping you achieve a long-lasting finish, not just on your walls but also in product care. The correct storage methods will have your investment in quality paint repay dividends in the form of beautiful results every time the tin is opened.
For expert advice and to explore our full range of durable, professional-grade paints, visit https://tooze.co.za/dekro-temp/. You can also stay inspired by following us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DekroPaints.