Shelf Life for Spray Paints

[timc]

I was wondering if there is a shelf life for spray paints.I have some that are almost 20 years old,never opened or used.

Most of them are testors enamels and the old Tru-Match racing colors.Also a few laquers that are nearing 7-8 years old.

Can it or will it go bad? Will it lose it's fizz like a soda pop? Thanks for any information on this.bigtim

[Mike Kucaba]

Your taking a BIG chance attempting to spray anything with those from the can( if they even will). I have decanted very old spray cans and used the paint thru an airbrush with usually great results. Where/how were the cans stored?

[timc]

Thanks for your reply Mike. The paints were stored inside the house, in shoe boxes in the closet. Might just have to de-cant and air brush them if they won't spray. Thanks,bigtim.

[High octane]

The shelf life is usually pretty long but I've had sealed cans that were only a couple years old leak out at the seams and I had to "pitch" them.

[vintagestang]

My dad has some paint that is about 35 years old and it still works. It was stored in the heat and cold.

[TooOld]

Some spray cans will lose pressure over time and some don't , there is no way of knowing . It leaks from the top of the can where the nozzle is inserted . If a can has never had the nozzle depressed , chances are pretty good it will last a long time . Remember , if pressure leaks out , then air has to leak in to replace it . That means the paint will begin to dry .