Here’s my beef: I store my paints, and all other supplies, in a number of plastic bins that have locking lids. When I open my bin that has the paints, I get a rush of paint fumes. None of my paints have leaked; they’re just stored inside a sealed container.
Questions: This can’t be good, how do others store paints to avoid the fume rush? Is this normal for paints?
Flynavy1958
You didn’t say what paints you are using, I assume enamels, which are usually contained in metal or glass with metal lids. A slight odor of solvent on opening a sealed container in which they have been stored is probably unavoidable. But a strong odor probably indicates a problem.
When you open a jar of paint, the first thing you should do is wipe the inside of the cap absolutely clean—not a trace of paint or clear resin anywhere on the gasket or threads. A paper towel dampened with a small amount of solvent, or a cotton swab, will make this easier. The second thing you do is wipe the bottle lip and threads clean. Then and only then start using the paint. Repeat this cleaning process as necessary before closing the jar, and close the jar tightly. If you have trouble closing the jar (arthritis or whatever) a jar opener, used in reverse, will help.
Keep the paints in a cool (not cold) place where they are not exposed to direct sunlight or other sources of heat, especially for long term storage.
This applies to all paints, acrylic, enamel, lacquer, oil, etc.
Another thing you can do for paint that is going to be stored for prolong periods in addition to what else was suggested is to wrap the cap and neck of the bottle with electricians tape to add another air barrier.