Does paint have a shelf life?

Jawbreaker · 02-18-2010, 02:06 PM

I am getting ready to paint some mdf crown moulding which I have primed using Bullseye 123. The final coat will be a 100% latex and I have some that was mixed in Dec 2007. The 2 quart size containers appears to have been sealed well and the paint looks fine but does paint have a shelf life? Should I not risk it and just buy new paint? Thanks

sdsester · 02-18-2010, 02:28 PM

Paint is reasonably stable if you have stored it correctly. To answer your question though it does have a shelf life.

If it is just two years old you will probably be alright. Stir it thoroughly and try a little bit of it. Strain it to be safe.

If it has been stored in a garage or basement and subjected to temp extremes I would get rid of it appropriately.

mazzonetv · 02-18-2010, 04:31 PM

ditto - and just to comment on one other thing - I would suggest next time you prime MDF to use an oil based primer. Latex primers tend to make MDF "fuzz up".