Maintaining the paint - read here for good tips

Key points:

• Protects the paint from extreme temperatures - both hot and cold.
• Avoid direct sunlight and moisture.

Uninsulated and unheated premises, such as a cold summer house, garage or yard shed, are not suitable for this purpose.

Make sure that opened paint cans are resealed properly. Whether you are storing a brand new can of paint or an opened and used can of paint, the guidelines for good storage conditions are pretty much the same.

However, opened cans require extra attention.

Good conditions for paint storage

Always protect paint cans from extreme temperatures and frost. Both cold and high heat can quickly make water-based paint unusable. Store paints away from direct sunlight to avoid overheating the paint cans and avoid moisture that can cause problems by damaging the cans.

It is quite common to store paint in uninsulated spaces such as a garage or shed. Unfortunately, this is not a good idea when the weather conditions are unfavorable. Imagine having to sit in these places yourself on cold winter nights or hot, stuffy summer days.

Take care of the products already at the ordering stage. For example, in winter, the warm transport chain can break when the package is picked up or when the package is left in a cold car in freezing weather. Frozen paint is unusable, and once it melts, it cannot be restored. It is not recommended to use frozen paint.

Be especially careful with opened jars

Be especially careful with opened cans of paint. After opening the cans of paint, you need to be extra careful to prevent evaporation. Especially in summer, on a hot day, paint dries quickly even in a jar, for example in direct sunlight. Paint and store the paint in the shade on hot days. Read more about outdoor painting here.

By resealing the cans after use, you avoid water evaporation, i.e. drying out of the water-based paint. This is best done by keeping the rim of the can in good condition and clean.

Here are some top tips:

• Open carefully so that paint does not spill onto the edges from the jar or lid
• If you damage the lid or the edge of the can when you open it, it is likely that the can will not seal well afterwards.
• Loosen the cover in several places around the edge before removing it - make sure you don't damage the edge when prying. A custom made can opener is a good option.
• Top Tip - If the lid feels very stuck, twist the can opener (like with a key) instead of lifting.

Be careful with dried paint

Do not allow dried paint to collect around the rim (or lid) of the jar as this can prevent the lid from fitting tightly. You can avoid this by resisting the temptation to wipe the excess paint off the brush onto the rim of the can when you dip your brush into the paint.

If you let the paint dry around the rim of the paint can, it will be difficult to remove it without lots of dried pieces falling into the paint.

Here are some ways you can protect the rim of the paint can:

• Use the Tin Topper designed to attach to Frenchic's 750ml tins.
• Wrap the border in foil while painting and remove it when you close the can
• Put a strong rubber band across the open can and use it to control the paint on the brush.
• Alternatively, you can pour the paint you need into a clean container or trough.

Clean the rim of the can every time you finish painting and close the lid as soon as it is clean.

What if the jar is damaged?

If you can't get a good seal in the jar because the rim or lid of the jar is damaged, consider additional protection over the jar with a plastic bag or plastic wrap held tightly with a rubber band. This provides an additional layer of protection to minimize moisture loss. Alternatively, use a new container.

What if there isn't much paint left?

If you don't have much paint left in the can, it may keep better if you store it in a smaller, clean, airtight container instead of the original can. If you use a screw-top container or glass jar for storage, try your best to keep the threads of the lid free of paint so that you can still open the lid.

And remember to write the name of the shade in the new container!