b'Keep it clean which can affect the longevity Keeping air out the paint can is your first line ofWhen youre painting, pour theof the paint. Paint is best storedHow to get rid ofdefence against dustpaint you need into a separatearound 15-20C and out ofold paint safelyand dirt contaminating your stored paint. paint pot or roller tray ratherdirect sunlight. Too hot and youWhether youre looking tothan painting directly out of thecan start to cook your paintclear away old paint from the main can. Paintbrushes andwhich will lead it to startshed or youre on clean-up forrollers can leave bristles, dustskinning faster.a current DIY project, its crucial and spider webs in the paint,Its best not to store paintsto dispose of paint safely. which can lead to bacterialdirectly on a concrete floor as Clear out the cans. Are you contamination. While the paintbig temperature changes cankeeping paint for touch-upsis made with biocides in it toaffect the paint quite quickly. or just in case? Make sure you protect it against bacterialIf you can, store paint on a shelfstore it properly. Paint can last contamination, if the paint isout of reach of children, but for many years if its stored stored for a long period, thebe careful there are no sharpcorrectly in a cool area, withthe lid on tight.contamination can start to takeobjects on the shelf that could Recycle paint thats still usable. over, much like you might seepierce the bottom of the tin.If your paint appears to still be with yoghurt in your fridge.okay, it can be recycled with Has my paint gone off?PaintWise (in New Zealand)How to storeIts common to keep leftoveror to the Paintback programme Make sure the lid of the paintpaint for touch-ups, and (in Australia).How to store paintyou can ask a Resene ColorShopcan is on firmly before storing itif stored correctly ReseneSelect Resene ColorShopsIts super handy to have a can staff member to look up detailsaway, as an open lid increasespaint can last for five yearsare designated as Resene of leftover paint stored away inof your previous orders.the chances of your paintor more. Paint that has gonePaintWise collection centres. case you need to do touch-upsBut an even easier way is toforming a skin. Use a rubberoff will smell terrible, but ifUnwanted paint and paint or further renovations. Luckily,use a permanent marker to mallet to seal the lid tightly. youre unsure whether itscontainers can be droppedResene paint lasts for years withwrite the paint colour name andWhile your garage orstill usable, take it intooff for Resene ColorShop staff the correct storage and care.where you used it in the houseshed might seem like theyour local Reseneto check before they accept on each paint can. Its also aobvious place to storeWatch ColorShop to check.them. Make sure paint lidsare easy to remove andLabel makergood idea to mark on the side leftover paint, smallThe team will alsothe paint label is legible and Remember to label your can ofof the can the level of the paintuninsulated spacesbe able to recyclematches the contents. Resene paintchances are you wontso you dont have to take the lidcan heat up and coolunwanted paint.donates recycled paint to remember whether it was Reseneoff to check how much is left.down quite quicklycommunity groups and cans Alabaster or Resene Merino thatand pails also get recycled.you used on your walls. Over You can also donatetime, many decorators forgetyour leftover paint directexactly which colour they usedto community groups andwhere in their homes, particularlyschools for them to use onif they chose colours from thetheir projects. Make sure you Resene Whites & Neutralsdonate the paint while it isstill in good condition so it is collection or if the label hasuseful for community projects.worn away over time. If youve got a Resene DIY card, your paint purchase records will often be linked to your account, soFor more advice visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller or watch the how-to video at www.masterstrokebyresene.com/paint-storagemasterstrokebyresene.com 29'