Sherwin-Williams is home to many paint services that can meet the needs of any customer. But if you have old paint, can you take it back to them? Let's take a look to see if they offer this service.
Sherwin-Williams storefronts do offer paint recycling services. However, you will need to pay a fee when purchasing the paint, and approved paints can be dropped off for free. Approved PaintCare products are interior and exterior architectural coatings under 5 gallons.
Being able to dispose of your Sherwin-Williams paint at the store can be convenient, but there are restrictions to the program. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Sherwin-Williams PaintCare program and explain how it works. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about Sherwin-Williams, so read on!
What Paint Will Sherwin-Williams Recycle?
For over a century, Sherwin-Williams has been a trusted source of quality paint, coatings, and finishes. To ensure the best possible results, the company offers a variety of products that are tailored to meet your needs.
When buying paint for any project, it's easy to have leftovers that you don't know what to do with. Fortunately, if you have leftover paint from a Sherwin-Williams project or purchase, you can take advantage of the PaintCare program and recycle it.
The PaintCare program is designed for interior and exterior architectural coatings under 5 gallons only. However, to qualify for the program, you need to meet three criteria.
First, Sherwin-Williams will only accept their paint. Second, you need to pay a fee when purchasing the paint, which covers the disposal charges. Finally, the paint needs to meet the approved regulations of the PaintCare program.
Once these criteria are met, you can drop off your approved Sherwin-Williams paint for free at any participating location. When disposing of it, make sure to keep the original cans with their labels intact, as this will facilitate the recycling process.
The products that aren't accepted are spray cans, industrial maintenance (IM), original equipment manufacturer (OEM), or specialty coatings. These can range from deck coatings, aerosol paints, marine paints, road marking paints, and more.
If you have any of these products, you need to contact your local hazardous waste collection center for disposal instructions. You can find the nearest one in your area by going to Google and searching for “hazardous waste drop-off” in the search bar.
What Is The Fee For Sherwin-Williams The PaintCare Program?
The fee for the Sherwin-Williams Pain care Program will vary depending on the product. For a half gallon of paint, it can be around 50 cents, and anything from 2-5 gallons can be around $2. These fees are to cover the cost of disposal and recycling, which can vary from location to location.
The PaintCare Program is an important part of the company's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By taking part in this program, you are helping reduce the amount of hazardous waste that ends up in landfills and waterways.
It also saves you the hassle of trying to find a place to dispose of the excess paint yourself, which can be time consuming and costly.
How Do You Know When Paint Is Old?
Before you take your paint to a PaintCare location, you need to make sure it isn't too old. Let's take a look at the telltale signs that your paint is past its prime.
Smell
Like food, paint that has gone bad will have a strong and unpleasant odor. If your paint smells sour or rancid, it is probably time to get rid of it.
Consistency
If the paint has thickened, cracked, bubbled, or lumped together, you should discard it. Also, if you notice any changes in color or texture when stirring the paint, this is a sign that it is no longer usable.
Separation
Another way to tell if the paint has gone bad is to look for any signs of separation. If the liquid components have separated from the pigment, it means that the paint won't stick properly and should be thrown away.
If the paint has any of these signs of aging, you should not use it for your project. Instead, take advantage of the PaintCare program and recycle it responsibly.
We may include affiliate links and curated AI content to highlight top design styles.
Can You Use Paint That Has Been Frozen?
In general, it's not recommended that you use paint that has been frozen. When the paint is exposed to extreme temperature changes, the components can separate and cause it to become unusable.
Even if the paint appears undamaged after thawing, there is always a risk of poor adhesion or bubbling when applied. To avoid any issues, it's best to use new paint for your project. It's up to you if you want to use the thawed paint; if it's stirred well with no lumps, then it may be fine to use.
Nonetheless, this is why it's important to store opened paint in a cool, dry place properly. Avoid rooms that fluctuate in temperatures. You want to store it where the temperature is consistent.
It is also important to use it within the suggested time frame so you don't end up with excess paint that needs to be disposed of.
How Long Does Paint Last?
Depending on if the paint has been opened or not and how it is stored, it can last anywhere from 2-10 years.
For unopened paint, the shelf life is typically about five years if stored in a dry and cool place between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Whereas opened paint will only last around 2-5 years, regardless of the storage conditions.
However, if it's not properly stored, then the paint may only last a few months. When opening used paint, stir it well, and check for any signs of aging. If it looks, smells, or feels off in any way, you should not use it.
Can Old Paint Be Harmful?
Old paint can be harmful if it is not disposed of properly. It's important to take any unused or extra paint to a PaintCare location for safe disposal.
If the old paint is left in an area that doesn't have proper ventilation, the fumes from the evaporating solvents can be hazardous. This is why it's essential to avoid storing paint in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
Old paint can also contain hazardous materials like lead, which must be disposed of properly. Taking it to a PaintCare location ensures that the waste is recycled and handled safely.
Is Painting Over Old Paint Fine?
Depending on the condition of the wall, you can paint over older paint. However, it's important to inspect the surface for any signs of deterioration or damage.
Also, depending on how old the layer of paint is, it may be lead based and not safe to cover up. If this is the case, then you will need to take special precautions to protect yourself and your family from any hazardous materials.
It is also essential to make sure that the wall is properly prepped and sanded before painting over it. This will ensure that there are no bumps or ridges on the surface, and you can get a good coat of paint on the wall.
For example, if you painted the wall within the last five years, then you can most likely paint over it without any issues. However, if the wall was painted more than 10 years ago and there are holes, gaps, roughness, or other issues, then it may be best to start from scratch.
Will Paint Stores Mix Old Paint?
If you have a can of paint that is in good condition but hasn't been used in a while, most paint stores will mix it. It's a great way to save money and reduce waste by using the old paint that you already have.
When you take the can into the store, make sure they inspect it to ensure it is still in good condition. The store will do a "shake," which stirs the paint up so it can be used.
Before taking the paint to be mixed, ensure that the can is in good condition. If it's rusty or damaged in any way, then the store may not be able to mix it.
In this case, transfer the old paint to a new can and take it in for mixing. This will ensure that the paint is safe to use and won't be a risk for bubbling or other issues when applied.
Final Thoughts
Overall, if you frequently use Sherwin-Williams paint, then being a part of their PaintCare program can be beneficial. It will save you from the hassle of safely disposing of old paint and make sure that it's recycled properly.
Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might find helpful:
Does Lowe’s Sell Sherwin-Williams Paint?
