Can You Store Spray Paint in Your Garage?

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Max Winters | Last updated Dec 21, 2024 10:00 AM ET

Half-used cans of spray paint are a common product to have on hand. Maybe it was for touch-ups or a craft project but either way, it's too much left to let go of. But when you're not using it, where does it go? If you're like many, adding it to the garage inventory might seem like a logical storage spot. But before you stack your paint containers next to the lawnmower, consider if that's going to expose them to extreme temperature swings. Improper storage won't help keep your paint fresh, and you'll just end up storing a bunch of garbage.

Risks of Storing Spray Paint in Cold Spaces

These metal paint cans might not seem picky, but temperature extremes in spaces like garages, sheds, or barns can lead to all sorts of issues.

Freezing Ruins the Paint: Spray paint cans contain a mix of paint, propellant, and solvents. If the temperature drops below freezing, the liquid can separate, thicken, or lose its consistency. Once frozen, it rarely returns to its original quality—even after thawing.
Can Integrity May Be Compromised: Cold temperatures can cause the metal can to contract, potentially leading to risk of leakage or ruptures. On the flip side, summer heat in a poorly ventilated garage could lead to dangerous pressure build-up.
Nozzle Clogs and Functionality Issues: Extended exposure to cold may gum up the nozzle or alter the pressure, making it harder to spray evenly when you’re ready to use the paint.
Rust in Humid Environments: In spaces like uninsulated garages or barns, fluctuating temperatures create condensation. This moisture can cause the cans to rust, which might compromise their structure or make labels unreadable.
Fire Hazard from Heat or Fumes: Spray paint is flammable. In closed spaces with poor ventilation, fumes can build up and become a fire risk if the area gets too hot or is near heat sources like furnaces or water heaters.

What's the best place to store spray paint?

Temperature-Controlled Spaces: A basement or utility room with stable temperatures is an excellent choice. Just make sure it’s dry and out of direct sunlight and away from extreme heat from a furnace.
Wall-Mounted Storage Cabinets: If you must store cans of paint outside, invest in a garage cabinet. Look for one that’s insulated to avoid extreme temperatures. These units will also keep paint cans upright and off the garage floor which can prevent issues with leakage or condensation.
Avoid Areas Near Heat Sources: Whether it’s a space heater, furnace, or the direct light from a sunny window, avoid placing cans near anything that might get excessively warm.
Dry and Ventilated Shelving: Keep the cans in a dry, well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of rust and ensure any fumes don’t accumulate. If in doubt, read the storage instructions on the can.
Label and Organize: Group your spray paints by type or color and label their storage area to avoid unnecessary shaking. If you have deep shelves, you could consider storing the cans in plastic bins to minimize fumbling.

What's the ideal temperature for storing spray paint?

The ideal conditions is between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Temperatures outside this range can put the containers of paint at risk for clogs, uneven spraying, or unusable paint. High humidity is the perfect environment for rusting. So if you live in a wet climate with harsh winters or scorching summers, it’s best to have paint shelves or of bins of spray paint in an indoor temperature-controlled environment.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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