If you’ve ever opened a garage cabinet or basement shelf (or bought a “new” house) and been greeted by a wobbly stack of half-used paint cans, you’re not alone. Leftover paint tends to pile up quietly over time, and without a plan, it quickly turns into clutter. Learning how to store paint cans properly isn’t just about staying organized—it helps prevent spills, extends the life of the paint, and makes future projects easier to tackle.
In this guide, we’ll cover practical, no-nonsense ways to store paint cans safely and efficiently in garages, sheds, and workshops. You’ll learn where to store paint cans to avoid temperature damage, how to label and arrange them so nothing gets forgotten, and what to do when old paint is no longer usable. Whether you’re dealing with a few cans or an entire shelf, having a system in place saves time, space, and frustration.
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How to Store Paint Cans by Size, Type, and Frequency of Use
The first step to store paint cans effectively is to sort them before you ever put them on a shelf. Separate full gallons from quarts and sample sizes, and group paint by type—latex, oil-based, primers, stains, and specialty coatings should all live in their own categories. This not only saves space, but prevents you from opening the wrong can when you’re mid-project.
Frequency of use matters just as much as size. Paint you reach for regularly should be stored at eye level or within easy reach (for us, this is usually our sample-sized cans of touch-up paint), while rarely used colors or specialty finishes can be placed higher or farther back. Keeping the most-used cans accessible reduces the temptation to stack cans unsafely or shove them wherever they fit, which is how spills and forgotten paint happen.
If space allows (and unfortunately it usually doesn’t), store paint cans in a single layer rather than stacking them. Stacked cans are harder to identify, more likely to tip, and often get forgotten altogether. When you can clearly see what you have—and what you don’t—you’re far less likely to buy duplicates or waste usable paint.
Taking Inventory, Labeling, and Organizing Paint Cans
No matter how carefully you store paint cans, they’re only useful if you can quickly tell what’s inside. Proper labeling is the difference between an organized system and a shelf full of mystery cans. At a minimum, every paint can should be clearly labeled with the color name, finish, room or project it was used for, and the date it was opened.
We always recommend using a label maker — it just makes everything look tidier and more professional. Printed labels are easier to read, more durable, and far less likely to fade or peel over time. Placing the label on the side of the can—rather than the lid—makes it visible even when cans are stored side by side on a shelf.
Beyond labeling, grouping similar paints together goes a long way toward keeping things organized. Store interior and exterior paints separately, keep primers and specialty coatings in their own section, and avoid mixing paint types on the same shelf. When everything has a clear place and a readable label, it’s easier to maintain the system and avoid buying paint you already own.
Pro tip: I also always write down the date the can was opened on the lid, just to give another data point. A silver Sharpie is ideal for this.
Smart Storage Locations to Store Paint Cans in Garages, Sheds, and Shops
Choosing the right location is just as important as how you store paint cans. Paint is sensitive to temperature extremes, so avoid areas that regularly freeze, overheat, or experience large temperature swings. In most homes, the best place to store paint cans is an interior garage wall, climate-controlled basement, or insulated shop where temperatures stay moderate year-round.
Shelving is far preferable to storing paint cans directly on the floor. Elevated storage protects cans from moisture, accidental flooding, and impacts that can dent lids and compromise seals. Sturdy metal or heavy-duty plastic shelving works well, but even simple wooden shelves can be effective if they’re level and properly anchored. If you’re short on floorspace, consider an overhead storage system (these are obviously great for much more than just storing paint).
Avoid storing paint cans near furnaces, water heaters, or other ignition sources—especially when dealing with oil-based paints or solvents. Wherever you choose to store paint cans, make sure the area is well-ventilated and easy to access. A visible, dedicated paint storage area reduces clutter elsewhere and makes it easier to keep track of what you already have.
Paint Disposal – Things You Should Know
Even the best system to store paint cans eventually runs into the same question: what do you do with the ones you no longer need? Disposal rules vary depending on the type of paint, so it’s important to know what you’re dealing with before tossing anything in the trash.
Latex paint is usually the easiest to dispose of. In many areas, fully dried latex paint can be thrown away with regular household garbage. You can speed up the drying process by leaving the lid off in a well-ventilated area or mixing in a paint hardener, kitty litter, or sawdust until the paint solidifies. Once dry, the lid should be removed or left off before disposal. If you are throwing out a bunch and need a heavy-duty trash can for your shop, we can help you.
Of course, they also make drying agents/hardeners to help you dispose of a lot of paint when you just need it gone. You can order these online or find them at nearly every hardware store.
Oil-based paints, stains, and solvents are a different story. These are considered hazardous waste and should never be poured down drains or thrown into household trash. Most municipalities offer household hazardous waste collection days or drop-off sites where these materials can be disposed of safely. When in doubt, check your local guidelines before attempting to get rid of old paint. Also, you should probably consider checking out our article on how to safely store flammable materials in your garage for some additional safety tips here.
As a final tip, don’t dispose of paint just because it’s old. If the paint still smells normal and mixes smoothly after stirring, it may still be usable. Properly sealed and stored paint cans can last for years, saving money and reducing waste. Sometimes they may just take a good mixing, and in that case, we recommend a paint mixer that attaches to your cordless drill, and specifically these spiral-shaped ones have done a good job for us in the past.
Conclusion – How to Best Store Paint Cans
Taking the time to store paint cans properly pays off in more ways than one. With a simple system for sorting, storing, and labeling, you’ll save space, avoid messes, and always know what you have on hand before starting your next project. Just as importantly, understanding basic disposal rules helps you get rid of unusable paint safely and responsibly (and I guess, legally…). A little organization now makes every future project faster, cleaner, and far less frustrating.
