Paint Recycling & Disposal in Moorpark, CA; How to Dispose of Oil & Other Paints

Do you have cans of paint collecting in your garage? How can you tell if you can still use it or if you should get rid of it? Paint that has been recently purchased should be still good to use, but the way it’s stored will have a lot to do with it. Water-based latex paint can last for about 10 years. Solvent or oil-based paint can last about 15 years.

How Do You Know if Paint is Bad?

• Latex. If paint smells rancid, it’s not good to use anymore. If it looks like it’s separated, remove the thin skin layer on the top and give it a good mix. You’ll also need to make sure there aren’t any hard spots on the bottom or the sides of the can. If it blends together nicely after you’ve mixed it and looks like it’s the same color, you’re good to use it again. Test the paint on a piece of paper before you start painting. If it goes on lumpy or looks rough, don’t use it.
• Oil-based. Again, storage is everything. If the paint was sealed correctly and wasn’t exposed to extreme temperatures, it will stand up better than latex. Paint that sits for long periods of time will develop a thing coat across the top of it and will need to be removed before you mix it together, just like with latex paint.

Steps to Dispose of Paint

If you’re paint has gone bad, what can you do with it? Paint is considered hazardous material, so it can’t just be thrown away, but the process to get rid of it is quite simple. You will need a drying agent, like kitty litter or sawdust to use as a mixing agent, stir sticks and a tarp to place cans and to clean up after you’re done. Paint hardeners can be purchased if you’d rather not use kitty litter or sawdust. Using kitty litter for an example. Pour and mix enough litter into the can of paint to form a thick consistency. Latex paint will end up with a 50/50 litter to paint ratio and oil-based will be 1/3 paint to 2/3 litter and will take a little linger to dry. Get the mixture to an oatmeal like consistency and make sure the litter gets all the way to the bottom of the can. If you have any doubts about the consistency, then add more litter. Let the mixture sit for 3 to 4 hours. You can also let it sit in the sun to speed the process up. Once the paint is completely dry, throw it away. The dried mixture can stay in the can and you don’t need to put the lid back on. Cans that have a little bit of paint can be poured into another container to make mixing easier. Just make sure there aren’t any leaks. Small amounts of paint can be left unopened in the sun to dry out. Paint that is in good condition can be donated to charities if you don’t need it anymore.

Painting Services & More in Ventura, Ojai, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & Santa Barbara California

If you have any questions about what to do with unwanted paint, you can call McKay’s Painting for advice.