It’s always a good idea isn’t it?

To hold on to half used cans of paint.

BECAUSE we never know when we might need them.

Which is true EXCEPT …

… by the time we actually DO need them – if we ever do – they will ALMOST certainly have dried up.

Or separated.

Or gone weirdly chunky.

Or rusty.

Or downright stinky.

BECAUSE you see the thing is.

Paints are designed to keep.

BUT only if kept at a stable temperature, i.e. not in the garage or shed.

And ONLY if resealed properly.

And it turns out jamming the lid back on – sort of – as far as it will go over the dried up paint round the rim, does NOT actually count as resealing properly!!!

Who knew?

So today we’re going to let go of all those old cans of paint we’ve been handing over so much precious space to …

If you’re following along with my quick daily declutter, read on. BUT if you’re new do hop back and read how just 10 things can help you declutter easily.

Just 10 Things  – Paints

As always we’ll stick to the just 10 things rules:

• Take 5 minutes or so, 15 minutes max
• Focus on paints
• Open our eyes to old open tins PLUS unopened ones we know we’re never going to use any time soon
• And without yanking stuff out 
• Spot any we’re ready to let go

Keeping our eyes peeled for old …

1. Sample & touch up paints
2. Interior paint
3. Exterior paint
4. Primer
5. Undercoats
6. Stains & oils
7. Shed & fence paint
8. Metal paints
9. Spray paints
10. Bathroom paint

If you’ve got unopened cans someone else could use, start a box today for decorating supplies.

We’ll add more items over the next three days.

And then you can sell or donate the whole lot in one go.

Many old paints can be put in your normal waste.

But some may need to go to the tip

Check your local regulations.

Typically you need to open the cans to let the paint dry out.

Before putting in the waste.

Adding sawdust or cat litter will speed up the drying.