Make no mistake if the paint smells bad, is bad and should be discarded. Most latex paints have a shelf life of up to 10 years, but the paint can spoil in a much shorter period of time, especially if it is not stored properly. Defective paint may not be applied correctly, leaving a visibly rough finish that can also peel off. Leftover latex paint can last for years, even a decade, or break down in just a few months.
For some of his paintings, Sherwin-Williams estimates the lifespan of the paint to be one year. Less specific, Behr points out that the lifespan of interior latex paint is years. However, the consensus among paint and home improvement experts is that latex paint that has been well preserved has a lifespan of up to 10 years. Make sure that any leftover latex paint that has been stored in your garage has not been damaged before you use it.
Painting a room with bad latex paint can cause it to have an unpleasant odor that is getting stronger and stronger. Bad latex paint can also leave a visibly rough finish on the painted surface and can begin to peel off quickly. The paint cans are not labeled with expiration dates, so other clues have to tell you if the paint has been damaged. Latex paint is a versatile water-based paint that can be used in indoor or outdoor work.
Since it is mainly composed of water, latex paint contains fewer toxins than oil-based paint, but it is much more susceptible to freezing. If properly stored, latex paint can last between 2 and 10 years. I would contact a lawyer and try to get them to pay for the removal and replacement of the wall boards, or at least have them remove the paint and “coat” the old wall boards. That said, buying new paint is much less annoying than painting the whole house with lumpy, spoiled paint, so be sure to follow your instincts.
Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can cause paint to clump, meaning you probably won't get that smooth, beautiful finish you expect when painting your walls. When the paint is good and still usable, the can is filled with gases that generate a strong chemical odor. The most important thing to remember is that paint can often look spoiled when it is not, so try to remove and strain it before you get rid of it. If you prefer someone else to do the hard part for you, you can easily and quickly find a painting company on HomeStars.
PPG, the manufacturer of PPG Paints and Glidden Paints, estimates that an unopened can of latex paint will last two years. All these (unattractive) descriptors are indicators that your painting may have started to spoil. The good news is that if you have an unopened paint can that has been stored properly, it will almost certainly still be OK to use it. Whether you want to store a partial can of touch-up paint or you've ordered too much and have a few gallons intact in your hands, you'll get the best possible shelf life if you store the paint indoors, preferably away from extreme temperatures and sunlight.
It's always a good idea to save some leftover paint, whether it's for touchups or for a small painting project. The results show whether the paint provides even and complete coverage and can resist wear. The best way to preserve latex paint is to store it in an airtight container to prevent the water in it from evaporating and prevent microorganisms from entering. During prolonged storage and when subjected to extreme temperatures, water from the paint separates due to settling and drying.
