Storing Paint in the Garage During Winter: Insights from the Professionals

Storing paint in the garage might seem like a convenient solution, but it could wreak havoc on your paint during cold, frosty season. freezing temperatures aren't ideal for paint, but not everyone lives in an area where that's a constant concern. Here's a lowdown on when to shift your paint cans indoors, how to check for paint damage, and what to do if your paint has been exposed to winter's bite.

Know Your Paint's Ideal Temperature Template

Paint is a picky fellow, wary of temperature swings. Freezing temperatures can render paint virtually unusable. The ideal paint storage temp varies by manufacturers, but Benjamin Moore's sweet spot lies between 60°F and 80°F.

Latex or water-based paints shudder at freezing temps, transforming them into a lumpy, unusable mess. Oil-based paints are more resilient, but even they suffer from temperamental changes that could dampen their appeal and performance.

Storing Paint: Winter Edition

Storing paint in the garage is a common practice, but it's not advisable during extreme winter weather. A climate-controlled garage would be a dream, but for the rest of us, a properly insulated and ventilated space like the basement, attic, or utility closet would be the next best thing. The aim is dark, cool, and dry (not frozen), conditions.

If no climate-controlled alternative is available, create an airtight seal with plastic wrap and a rubber mallet, then store the paint upside-down. Insulated storage containers, insulation material, or old blankets can buffer temperature fluctuations and keep the paint protected. A portable heater or heating pad could maintain a steady temperature, but monitor the paint to ensure it doesn't overheat. Storage on elevated surfaces like shelves or wooden pallets can help avoid direct contact with the cold floor.

How to Spot Damaged Paint

Freezing temps can lead to separation of water-based paints, so inspect for that. Shake the paint can, then test it on a small piece of cardboard. If it's no longer spreadable or doesn't adhere to the surface, it's severely damaged. Clumpiness, sandiness, stringiness, or a sour, rotten odor are all signs of damaged paint.

Can Damaged Paint Be Revived?

Sometimes you can reclaim paint exposed to winter's chill, but it's a delicate dance. Thaw the paint slowly at room temperature, then stir it with a paint mixer to reincorporate the separated components. If it's still too lumpy, strain it through a fine mesh to remove clumps. Paint conditioners like Floetrol for water-based paints or Penetrol for oil-based paints might help restore adhesion properties. Always test the revived paint on a small area to ensure performance.

The Bottom Line

Unless your garage is climate-controlled, it's not ideal to store paint there. Instead, opt for spaces within the recommended temperature range. Regularly inspect your paint containers for signs of damage, and if the paint is beyond salvaging, dispose of it responsibly. Happy painting!

To store paint responsibly during the winter, aim for dark, cool, and dry conditions, avoiding freezing temperatures, even if your garage isn't directly affected by them.
For those without a climate-controlled garage, storing paint in a properly insulated and ventilated basement, attic, or utility closet would be the next best option.
If no such alternative is available, create an airtight seal for the paint with plastic wrap and a rubber mallet before storing it upside-down and placing it on elevated surfaces to avoid direct contact with the cold floor.
To check for damaged paint, shake the can, then test it on a small piece of cardboard. Signs of damage include separation, clumpiness, sandiness, stringiness, or a sour, rotten odor.
In some cases, you might be able to revive damaged paint by thawing it slowly at room temperature, stirring it, straining it through a fine mesh, and using paint conditioners like Floetrol or Penetrol if necessary – just be sure to test the revived paint on a small area first.