Please be mindful of the manner in which water-based products are stored
and how long they have been in storage. They are not a forever product.
Life of Product
Water-based products do not last forever, even when unopened. General Finishes
products are best used within 1 year of the manufacture date listed on the can.
However, the life of the product may be extended with proper care and storage (see Storage Tips below).
Water-based products can last 3-5 years if the can is unopened, in good
condition and stored in correct temperatures.
Product that is 3 years old will not look like product that is 6 months
to 1 year old. You will see more stratification or separation as the product
ages. Always stir thoroughly before using.
Foul Smell
If your product has a foul smell, it is contaminated and no longer in
useable condition.
Clumps & Settling
Gravity can cause some solids to settle on the bottom of the can and slight
separation on the top. This is normal. If working with older product stir
with a paint mixing attachment on a drill.
If the solids dissolve and clumps smooth out after mixing from the bottom,
the product is in good condition for use.
Inability to reincorporate large, chunky lumps after stirring for several
minutes is an indication that the product has frozen and can no longer be used.
Storage Tips
Water-based finishes crystalize and form a skin due to evaporation when
the air-tight seal on a can is broken at first use. The following best
practices will increase the life of your product:
- Pry open sealed lids with a paint can opener by hooking under the lid's
rolled edge. The use of a screwdriver can disfigure the rim and lid,
impairing a complete seal.
- Keep lid closed while working. Pour what you will use into a bowl, paper
cup, or plate, and close can lid as you work.
- Clean the chime of the can thoroughly with a paper towel before closing
to create a complete seal. Product falling into the chime can be minimized
by using a pouring lid, such as Fitsall. Avoid wiping used brushes on the lid.
- Pound the lid in place using a rubber mallet to avoid distorting the
chime or lid. Dents in the lid from direct contact with a hammer can impair
a complete seal. Alternatively, place a flat piece of wood over can lid
and firmly pound shut.
- Store in moderate temperatures. Avoid temperatures below 50°F/10°C or
above 100°F/26°C. Keep from freezing. Frozen and heat-damaged product
cannot be revitalized. Temperature-controlled spaces, such as a basement,
are ideal for storage. Do not store product in an attic, garage, in
direct sunlight, or next to something warm like a water heater or furnace.
- Store can upside down to create a liquid seal, minimize evaporation and
reduce the chance of crystallization. Decant remaining product from the
can before stirring.
- Decant leftovers to a smaller container when the finish is almost used
up. Alternative storage containers for water-based products are plastic
FIFO bottles or glass bottles. Do not fill metal-lidded containers
completely to prevent them from rusting.
The following water-based product mistures can be stored:
- Product thinned with up to 15%
General Finishes Extender
or General Finishes
Accelerator, with the exception of thinned General Finishes
Water Based Wood Stain.
- Mixtures involving colors & sheens within the same product line, such as:
- High Performance Satin + High Performance Gloss
- Snow White Milk Paint + Coastal Blue Milk Paint
- Amber Dye Stain + Merlot Dye Stain
The following product mixtures should NOT be stored:
- Any water based product with thinned tap water; water often contains
bacteria that will adversely affect stored paint.
- Topcoat + Stain or Paint
- Milk Paint + Chalk Style Paint
- Water Based Wood Stain + Dye Stain