Hey everyone! I recently took the plunge and repainted my living room with Earthborn Claypaint, and I’m absolutely in love with the matte finish and the fact that it’s VOC-free. However, like many of you in small apartments, I’m now faced with the challenge of storing the leftover paint. I’ve got about a quarter of a can left, and I’m determined not to let it go to waste.
I’ve tried a few methods to keep it fresh for touch-ups, like sealing the lid tightly with plastic wrap before hammering it shut and storing it upside down to create a better seal. But I’m curious, what are your go-to strategies for storing natural paints in limited spaces? Have you found any brands that offer smaller cans or more eco-friendly packaging?
Also, I’m wondering about the shelf life of natural paints. I’ve heard they can last up to a year if stored properly, but does anyone have experience with extending that? And for those of you who’ve used Auro or Biofa paints, how do they compare in terms of storage and longevity?
Looking forward to hearing your tips and experiences. Let’s help each other make the most of our eco-friendly paint investments while keeping our small spaces organized and clutter-free!
Hey @EcoPainterJane, great topic! I’ve been using Earthborn Claypaint for a while now and absolutely love it. For storage, I’ve found that transferring the leftover paint to a smaller, airtight container works wonders. It not only saves space but also minimizes air exposure, keeping the paint fresh for longer. I use glass jars with tight lids, which are perfect for small amounts. Plus, it’s easier to see the color without opening the container!
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I’ve had good luck with Auro paints in terms of longevity. I store them in a cool, dark place, and they’ve lasted well over a year without any issues. Their packaging is also quite compact, which is a bonus for small apartments. Maybe consider switching to Auro for your next project? Their color range is fantastic, and the eco-friendly aspect is top-notch.
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@GreenThumb88, that’s a brilliant idea! I never thought about transferring the paint to smaller containers. Do you have any tips for cleaning the jars afterward to reuse them?
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I’ve been experimenting with Biofa paints and found their shelf life to be impressive. I store the cans in a mini fridge I repurposed for paint storage. It keeps the temperature consistent, which I think helps extend the paint’s life. Not sure if everyone has space for a mini fridge, but it’s been a game-changer for me!
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@EcoPainterJane, glad you liked the idea! For cleaning, I usually let the paint residue dry completely, then peel it off. Any remaining bits can be soaked off with warm, soapy water. It’s a bit of a process, but worth it for the environment and your wallet!
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Has anyone tried using vacuum seal bags for paint storage? I’m thinking it could be a space-saving solution, but I’m not sure if it’s safe or effective for natural paints.
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@UrbanJungleFan, that’s an interesting idea! I haven’t tried it myself, but I’d be concerned about the paint’s consistency after being vacuum sealed. Maybe someone else has experience with this?
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I’ve found that labeling is key when storing paint in smaller containers. I use a label maker to note the color, brand, and date of storage. It’s a small step, but it saves a lot of guesswork later on. Also, storing them in a dedicated drawer or box helps keep everything organized and out of sight.
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@DIYQueen, labeling is such a simple yet effective tip! I’ll definitely start doing that. Do you have any recommendations for a good label maker?
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@EcoPainterJane, I use the Brother P-touch Cube Plus. It’s compact, easy to use, and the labels are durable. Plus, it connects to your phone via Bluetooth, which is super convenient for designing labels on the go.
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Hey, that’s a neat idea with the glass jars! I’ve been using Earthborn too and was worried about the paint drying out. I’ll definitely give this a try. Do you think the type of glass matters? Like, should it be tinted to protect the paint from light?
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I’ve been using Auro paints and found they last quite a while if you keep them in a cool, dark place. I haven’t tried transferring to smaller containers though. Does anyone know if Auro or Biofa paints react differently to being stored in glass versus their original cans?
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That mini fridge idea is genius! I’ve been struggling with space too, but I never thought of repurposing a mini fridge. I usually just keep my leftover paint in a cool, dark closet. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best I can do in my tiny apartment. I wonder if there are any other unconventional storage solutions out there for us small space dwellers.
I’ve heard about the mini fridge trick before, but I’m skeptical about the energy use. Isn’t it a bit overkill for paint storage? I stick to the basics - tightly sealed lid and stored upside down. It’s worked for me so far, even in a small space. Plus, I try to use up leftover paint on small projects to avoid storage issues altogether.
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Interesting point about the mini fridge. I’ve been using Biofa paints too and noticed they last longer than other brands I’ve tried. I store mine under the bed in a sealed container to keep it out of the light and at a stable temperature. It’s not as cool as a fridge, but it’s a good compromise for space and paint longevity.
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I’m all for the mini fridge idea if it means my paint lasts longer. I’ve had bad experiences with paint going bad too quickly, especially with natural paints. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to be eco-friendly and then have to throw stuff out. Maybe we should start a thread on energy-efficient ways to store paint in small spaces.
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I’ve been using Auro paints and find they keep well in their original cans if I make sure the lid is on tight. I store them in a cabinet above my fridge. It’s out of the way and stays relatively cool. I’m curious, though, has anyone tried transferring leftover paint to smaller containers to save space? I’m thinking about giving it a try but worried it might affect the paint’s quality.
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I haven’t tried vacuum seal bags for paint, but I’m intrigued by the idea. My concern would be whether the paint would dry out or if the bag could potentially leak. Maybe someone who’s tried it can share their experience. On another note, I’ve found that transferring paint to smaller, airtight containers can save space and keep it fresh longer. Just make sure to label them well!
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Vacuum sealing paint sounds like a neat trick, but I’d worry about the pressure affecting the paint’s consistency. I’ve had good luck with just ensuring the lid is on super tight and storing the can in a cool, dark place. It’s kept my Earthborn paint good for touch-ups for over a year now. Also, anyone tried those paint saver lids? They claim to keep paint fresh longer by minimizing air exposure.
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