How to Store Leftover Paint

Organize your excess paint into cute glass containers.

Leftover Paint in Labeled Glass Jars

How to Store Leftover Paint

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Related To:

Materials Needed

Creative Content by Rebecca Hines

  • leftover paint in large cans
  • decorative glass jars
  • old plastic soda bottle
  • craft knife
  • labels (optional)
Supplies Needed for Storing Leftover Paint

Materials for Storing Leftover Paint

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Before

If you're tackling multiple projects at once, you may have a surplus of paint cans taking up valuable space in the garage. Clear up that clutter with our easy solution.

Leftover Paint Cans in Floor of Garage

Cluttered Paint Cans in Garage

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Used Paint Cans

Take those paint cans that have very little paint in them and transfer them to airtight containers.

Leftover Paint in Large Can

Used Paint Can

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Create Funnel

To avoid a big mess, make a funnel out of an empty plastic soda bottle by cutting off the top half.

Cutting Plastic Soda Bottle to Make Funnel

Create Funnel

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Pour Paint

Position the DIY funnel into the glass jar and begin pouring the paint until three-fourths full. Less air keeps paint longer, so make sure the lid is secure.

Pouring Leftover Paint Into Glass Jar

Pour Paint

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Label the Jars

Keep the paint colors organized with stick-on labels that detail the color name and what in the house is painted that color.

Putting Labels on Glass Jars of Leftover Paint

Label Jars

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Storage

Place the jars on a shelf up high, away from food and drink and out of reach from children. Paint should be stored between 60-80 degrees.

Leftover Paint in Labeled Glass Jars on Shelf

How to Store Leftover Paint

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Touch-Up

In the event a piece of furniture or project needs a little more paint, you know exactly which color to find thanks to the labeled jars. 

Use Leftover Paint to Touch-Up Furniture

Use Leftover Paint

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

How to Store Leftover Paint
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