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How Do I Store My Leftover Paint?

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 touch-ups 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. When you transfer the paint to another container, it is critical that you label the new container. Take some tape and write the type of paint, color, and codes, so that you can order more in the future. It is also helpful to include on the label what room or exterior area that paint was used.

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

Our Promises to You

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 300+ reviews

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

Brooks Painting has be in business a long time in our area. As a native resident we have seen and heard of their professional & quality painting. In looking for bids on painting our house Brooks was referred numerous times. When Jeremy came out to meet us we were sold on using their services and looked no further. Every aspect of this company was very upfront, professional and made us feel safe, valued and comfortable hiring them. The office staff kept good communication with us. The color matching was perfect. The crew showed up on time, were respectful and did a great job from prep to the final end of the project. The warranty offered was a plus and the liability coverage gave us peace of mind also. The price was well worth all that was included in the project so we had little to do but move our stuff away from the house. Thank you Brooks painting, crew and staff for making our home new again :)

Karen Boone
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

My house is so beautiful now…great work. Courteous, prompt, awesome work.

Lisa H.

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.

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

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

Marilou R., Winters

I have always received excellent customer service and the crews are always very concerned about ensuring satisfaction!

Shawn W.

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.

Another great job by Brooks Paining. they did a great job on our trim painting and siding varnish. They were very timely and considerate of our home and property. This is our 3rd time in 19 years utilizing Brooks Painting. We haven't been let done. 👍👍

T Thompson

Easy to work with - pleasant, efficient, competent, always available, answered all questions. Totally professional - each person. Thank you all! A great job!

Stephanie Brown F.

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

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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 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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