How to Store and Dispose of Paint

Featured Pro: Eric Stromer
Category: Home Improvement
Time: 1:56


ERIC STROMER: This hybrid can shift from gas power to gas and electric to just electric seamlessly. Now, that is incredible efficiency. And if you appreciate efficiency like that, you’re going to really like my next GMC Trade Secret.

So you’ve just finished a great project. Your home is beautiful and you feel great about your work. The only problem is now you’ve got extra paint that you either need to store or get rid of. Well, I’m going to give you some great ideas on how to solve this problem.

Now, to store the paint, cover the can opening with plastic wrap or wax paper. Secure the lid onto the can. But when you do this, make sure you cover the can with a towel to prevent splattering paint. And then write the name of the room you painted and the date it was done on the lid.

Keep the paint cans in a dry, moderate-temperature room, away from pets and children. Keep the cans away from sources of sparks or flames. And don’t store the cans on cement floors, as that might cause the bottom of the can to rust more quickly.

Now, sometimes you won’t want to store the paint. You need to dispose of it. Find ways to use up the extra paint, like applying an extra coat of paint to a doghouse or a closet or the garage. Or use the paint as a primer for another project.

Look into donating the paint. See if a friend or neighbor needs it. If you can’t find someone else who wants it, see if your community has a hazardous waste collection.

To dispose of paint on your own, you’ve got to make sure it is completely dried. For small amounts, you can apply the extra paint to flatten cardboard or newspaper with multiple coats until it’s all used up.

Now, for larger amounts of paint, pour kitty litter, sawdust or sand or any other absorbent material into the paint can. Mix this together and leave the lid off for it to dry.

Now, after the paint dries in the can, put it in the trash with the lid off so the trash collectors can see it has dried.

Well, that’s it. Click on the link below for the ideas we just went through.

There’s your GMC Trade Secret. I’m Eric Stromer.