You probably have some spray paint on hand, whether you are an expert painter or an interior decorator. One very well-liked and convenient medium for creating art is spray paint. It can be used for stencils, graffiti, and a lot more.
The great thing about spray paint is that it enables you to make vibrant paints without the need for any specialized tools or abilities. Your preferred aerosol cans of spray paint have some restrictions and shelf lives, though, just like everything else in life. Spray paint cans typically lose their effectiveness after two to three years.
This period may be shorter or longer for some brands and types, so it’s crucial to check the expiration date, which ought to be prominently marked on the bottom of the can. Let’s learn everything you should know regarding spray paint cans and their expiration.
Spray Paint Can Shelf-Life
This one is challenging. Spray cans have a lessening shelf life compared to oil paint. The years claimed to vary, though, between brands. for instance
- According to the Montana company, spray paint cans can remain in use for up to ten years before they start to deteriorate.
- More durable aerosol cans of higher quality are available.
- It takes approximately two to three years for a typical spray can to expire.
Spray Paint Cans’ Premature Expiration Due To Certain Factors
The premature expiration of spray paint cans is caused by various factors. The following elements may impact spray paint cans’ quality and shelf life.
1. Environment
Most significantly, the spray can is impacted by the current temperature. The paint will dry and crack if it’s hot outside. Paint that has cracks will not open the can. In addition, cans are negatively impacted by cold and humid weather, which causes them to spoil earlier than expected.
2. Aerosol Pressures
When the aerosol can is opened, but the spray is not used as frequently as advised, the spray’s aerosol pressure may gradually decrease. The aerosol pressure gradually decreases after you open a can but use it less frequently. No pressure will be left in the can when you need it again.
3. Humidity
Another factor that causes paints to degrade prematurely is relative humidity. Higher humidity causes the paint to stay wetter for a longer period of time, which can result in lumpy and unusable paint.
4. External Impurities
The tube allows outside elements like oxygen, dirt, and ultraviolet rays to enter the can every time you use paint. These interact with the chemical inside to produce a reaction that could cause the spray to expire earlier than expected.
5. Direct Sunlight
Paint aerosol cans that are improperly stored in direct sunlight run the risk of becoming brittle, losing their color, or drying out before their expiration date. The sun’s harsh light causes the chemicals to degrade and become brittle ahead of schedule, which causes the reaction to occur.
Bottom Line
Ordinary rules of thumb state that spray paint cans have a shelf life of two to three years after the date of manufacture. The shelf life of different branded aerosol cans ranges from 10 to 20 years. The spray paint will last longer, like any other product, the higher the quality is.
Also read: What Are the Pros and Cons of Painting Yourself Vs Hiring a Painter?
