Safely Store Extra Paint With This Simple & Affordable Jar Idea

It's a classic DIY tale: You've just finished painting a wall in your home and want to be able to store the leftover paint for touch-ups or another project. But it's hard to reseal and clean off a paint can, and not everyone has the storage space to keep their large, nearly empty cans around. Enter a glass jar — the solution to the ever-popular problem of having slightly too much paint for a project. You can safely store paint in glass jars to keep it fresh for future touch-ups, to save space by replacing giant paint cans, and to be able to see the paint color from afar. 

There are so many clever ways to reuse old glass jars around the house — whether you're in need of pickling containers or a place to propagate plant cuttings — but this paint storage hack might just take the cake. Not only does it make for a convenient solution to the problem of having too much paint, but it's also free and eco-friendly. You can use leftover jars from grocery purchases and give them a new, colorful life. 

When storing paint, it's important to find a container that fits the exact amount of paint leftover so that there is as little air in the jar as possible — that means that big metal cans are less ideal than a smaller glass jar. Pour your leftover paint into the jar and write the name of the paint and color on the lid or attach a label so that you know the exact hue. Make sure the jar you've selected is able to seal correctly, preventing extra air from getting inside.

Don't forget to clean the rim and lid before twisting the lid into place. Then, find an ideal place to store your paint. You should keep the jar away from direct sunlight in a room between 60 and 80 degrees. Make sure the paint won't freeze or overheat, as extreme temperatures can cause the paint to spoil, separate, and even change its color. 

You'll know that old paint is no longer usable if it smells sour or still has chunks in it even after stirring. Spoiled paint can even grow mold, so be sure to check the jar before you use it in your home. This is another advantage of a glass jar over a metal can — having a see-through container helps you see if and when the paint has gone bad. If your paint has maintained its original color and consistency, the old paint is ready for tiny touch-ups. Be sure to downsize your glass jar if you reopen the paint and use a significant amount, too.