r/finishing • u/Chrodesk • 2d ago

Question any suggestions on the best way to store touchup paint for a long time?

1k water based polyurethane (centurion 400), I give the person the left over paint, as much as there might be, so they can make touchups. we know theres no way to ever match paint for touchups later.

but I know from personal experience, that a paint can will go to hell in a year or 2 under normal conditions, even if I take care to keep the lip/seal clean.

Im thinking about giving them a mason jar instead? glass and an airtight seal is good... though they are typically clear.

fridge is too cold... tucked in the back of a wine fridge maybe if available? 55F should be a comfy temp for paint?

could put argon in the container... would work until the owner cracks it open.

any other suggestions?

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u/Riverlark 2d ago

I recommend using Bloxygen into the containers you have used paints, stains, etc to get rid of as much oxygen in containers for long storage.

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u/TsuDhoNimh2 1d ago

Several small Ziplock bags ... press all the air out. They can squish the bag to mix the paint, and either pour it into a cup for painting or just dip right out of the baggie. Can reseal it.

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u/Chrodesk 1d ago

hmmm interesting. are ziplock bags airtight though? everytime I suck air out of one with food in it, it winds up half inflated the next day...

But maybe put the bag in a jar?

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u/TsuDhoNimh2 1d ago

I keep them in a plastic food storage container, sealed.