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How Do I Store My Leftover Paint?

When you finish a painting project, there is paint leftover to store. This isn't a bad thing, since it is likely you'll want paint for touchups or matching for painting another room. The key to storing leftover paint is to limit air exposure, since evaporation is how paint dries and becomes unusable.

In order to keep your leftover paint from drying, always cover the can unless you are actively using it. Be careful not to get the rim full of paint, as that can prevent it from sealing properly. Once you have used at least a quarter of the can, there begins to be a good amount of air inside it, even when closed. Use a clean plastic bag and lay it flat on the open can, then gently and evenly push it down until it contacts the paint. Now put on the lid over the plastic. This way there is a barrier between the surface of the paint and the air in the can.

Another option, especially if there is not much paint left in the can, is to pour it into a different plastic container. Anything with a lid will do -- tupperware, water bottles, yogurt containers... just don't confuse the leftover paint with your leftover dinner and stick it in the microwave! Use the container that will hold the paint adequately but minimize the amount of air. One advantage to a water bottle is that you can squeeze out the air before screwing the lid on, thus eliminating all air that would ruin your paint.  When you transfer the paint to another container, it is critical that you label the new container.  Take come tape and write the type of paint, color, and codes, so that you can order more in the future.

Brooks Painting is one of Davis/Woodland/Sacramento’s leading painting contractors.  We provide both residential and commercial painting.  

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1. We’re committed to your project’s success

A lot of painters do the bare minimum, just to get by and move on. That’s not who we are or how we’ve built our reputation.

2. You can feel comfortable with our team

From the estimator to our office team, field employees to Crew Leader, we want you to know that you’re valued, cared for, and safe.

3. We’ll do the job correctly

You deserve total transparency, accountability, and exceptional work. No skipped steps or opting for the “easy way.”

4. We’ll stand by our job

Because we know we’re doing it all the right way, we can confidently stand by our work. We’re picky, and we want you to be 100% satisfied.

Most trusted painting company in the Greater Sacramento & Davis Areas

4.9 rating from 350+ reviews

Google Facebook Angi

Very professional, I appreciate the time they took to make sure everything was taken care of for my house! I really liked that Jaime stepped up and told me not to paint my front door like the house and then chose a color that worked great. Thank you!

Dale S.

Mark and the team from Brook’s Painting are exceptional at their jobs. We recently renovated a 5000sqft home and they did all the painting. Their attention to detail and investment in our project is so appreciated, and we knew we were in good hands with them. The value they add by identifying issues, making suggestions and going the extra mile to deliver quality work and make sure we are happy with our home is such a breath of fresh air. I would hire this team and company for any future work in a heartbeat and can’t say enough how amazing they are!

Kirsten Martin
Google

Listened to my needs and offered good suggestions. Customer confidence in value and quality.

John K.

Eric and his crew were on time every day and did a very thorough job. I was thrilled that they were willing to paint my outdoor light fixtures which were getting rusty. I was particularly impressed how much time they spent going over their work at the end to catch spots that were missed. I’ll be using them again for interior painting.

C Lewis

Brooks Panting Inc. just finished painting the exterior of our house. The crew did a terrific job. The house is a mid century modern with redwood paneling and an unusual amount of trim work. The Brooks crew was efficient, the quality of the painting was exceptional and the work was completed on time! Because of the age of the house several panels needed to be replaced. Brooks had the expertise to closely match the new paneling with the old paneling. I would not hesitate to recommend this company. They are professionals!

Daniel Dykstra
Google

Very professional. Painters were very accommodating on the little things.

Claude V., Dixon

This is a business you can trust to do an excellent job and keep all promises. Came on time, completed in time stated, beautiful result!

Sandra & David M.

It was fun working with Chris and his crew. I’ve never had a contracted job go so smoothly from start to finish. The office was responsive to my needs, Corey was patient and helpful while I made color choices, and Chris made sure I was happy with the crew’s work every step of the way. Gabriel does amazing work as well. Very much a perfectionist like Chris. I don’t have a bad thing to say. The job is absolutely stunning and I’ve had so many neighbors tell me it’s beautiful. I’m happy to put one of your signs in my front yard if you’d like so people know as they drive by who did the work. Thank you Brooks Painting. I will be recommending you to anybody who asks.

D. White
Google

Brooks did a fantastic job on our exterior and interior paint jobs. Quality was high, price was reasonable, and the team was extremely professional and detail-oriented. Mark was our crew lead and the team performed a number of exterior wood repairs, a door re-stain, interior and exterior painting. Mark clearly takes a lot of pride in his work and went above and beyond to ensure the work was high-quality, including finding exact matching siding to fix dry rot, and performing minor repairs that weren't even included in the quote. He and the team were all consistently positive and personable, joking with each other throughout the day, while also genuinely complimenting each other on the quality of their work. It was great to see, and that positivity definitely showed through the work they did. We couldn't be happier with the end result.

Ryan Schauland
Google

Hiring Brooks Painting was an easy and professional process the whole way through, from the estimate to the completion of having my very high walls edged, where I was unable to reach them. Crew Leader Eric was prompt and super capable, which was a relief since he had to maneuver and climb a very tall ladder. He was also in the process of teaching a newer painter and I admired his positive and encouraging manner. In addition, he was willing to respond to my requests with ease. No regrets here! The edging looks amazing and only took 4 hours to complete.

Serenity Now
Google

Efficient, prompt, dependable, quality, respectful, friendly and caring.

Marilou R., Winters

Brooks Painting gets in gets it done and out! Quality job, great price. Touch base daily with a report on progress of job. It's important to have confidence in a company that works for you. Brooks is that company.

Jeff Allbright, Nugget Markets Corp.

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COREY SCHMIDT

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Residential and Commercial Estimator Corey is a wonderful asset to our sales team! Whether you're seeking expertise for a residential interior, cabinet, or exterior painting project, or you're a commercial owner or contractor in need of a quote, Corey is your go-to expert!

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Ryan Lowery

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Residential Estimator Ryan is a fantastic new addition to our sales team! If you have a residential interior, cabinet or exterior project, book with Ryan!

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    Why Work with Brooks Painting

    Quality

    Our reputation is built on our painting craftsmanship and excellence.

    Prompt Service

    We are proud of our reputation for friendly, prompt service, and this positive attitude is reflected by every one of our employees.

    Guarantee

    We offer a three-year labor guarantee for all painting projects involving one coat, and a five-year labor guarantee for all two-coat projects.

    Reputation

    Our priority has always been to deliver quality work, services, and customer experiences. This has led us to become the largest painting contractor in the Davis/Woodland area.

    Insurance

    Brooks Painting is a fully-licensed, bonded, and insured company. We also offer up to $1,000,000.00 in liability for your protection.

    Value

    We offer you superior value, from the materials we use to the quality of the services we perform.

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