Despite its thick consistency, you might be surprised with the answer to the question, 'does paint freeze?' While there can be some differences depending on the type of paint, the fact is, paint can, and does freeze.
So, to help you avoid a DIY disaster this winter, we asked paint experts to explain why does paint freeze, how you can avoid it happening and if you've already discovered a frozen tin of paint, is there anything you can do to salvage it?
From where not to store your paint, to solutions for bringing it back to life, here's what's recommended.
Do all types of paint freeze?
"Paint can certainly freeze, and it mainly happens if it’s stored in conditions that are too cold," confirms Anna Hill, brand director and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook.
As with any item that freezes, the key number is when the temperature reaches 0°C or 32°F. Go below this and it's almost inevitable that the freeze will set in. However, not all paints will immediately freeze at this temperature.
"Water-based paints are the most affected and will certainly freeze given half a chance!" says Anna. "This is because of the water content, and when the water freezes, it expands and breaks down the structure of the paint, causing the binders and pigments to separate," explains Anna.
"Once that structure is damaged, it can’t always be put back together," explains James Knighton, Victory Colours' technical director. "In short: freezing disrupts the chemistry that makes paint behave like paint. Solvent-based paints on the other hand are far more resistant and rarely freeze in normal UK conditions," James adds.
That said, cold conditions can still have the potential to make oil-based paints thicken. Plus, if the temperature of the space where you store your paint repeatedly drops way below freezing, even oil-based paints may potentially succumb to damage.
Anna Hill is the Brand Director and Colour Consultant for luxury, British independent, family-run and owned paint brand, Fenwick & Tilbrook. The go-to for premium, pigment-rich paints, Fenwick & Tilbrook's extensive palette of colours is available in six finishes, and is made-to-order using only the highest quality ingredients.
James Knighton is the co-founder and technical director of Victory Paints, a family owned eco paint company, founded out of a passion for interiors and sustainability. A qualified chemist, James brings a raft of detailed knowledge and expertise to the business that he co-founded with his sister, Victoria.
How can I make sure my paint doesn't freeze?
The key to paint not freezing? Storing it in the right place, something Homebuilding & Renovating's brand director and experienced renovator, Laura Crombie, discovered to her peril.
"We purchased around 15 litres of premium paint to use in our home renovation and happily popped it in the garage without a second thought," she tell us. "It stayed there throughout the winter, and when we were finally ready to paint, we bought it inside.
"Popping off the lids was a big shock," she continues. "Instead of beautifully smooth emulsion that just needed a quick stir, it had all completely separated inside the tin. Even stirring it well made no difference. It was ruined and we had to dispose of it."
So how you can avoid making the same mistake?
"Paint should always be stored somewhere dry, frost-free and temperature-stable, ideally between 5 and 20°C," recommends James Knighton. "If you wouldn’t be comfortable sitting in the space in winter without a coat, your paint won’t be either," he adds.
"We recommend that when it comes to storing paint, it is kept upright in dry conditions above 5°C and protected from frost," agrees Anna. "This means the garden shed, van, or garage is not an advisable home for your paint as they are more exposed to extreme temperatures."
"The best places are: a utility room, a cupboard under the stairs or a heated garage or workshop," advises James. A stable temperature is the key to paint not freezing, which also means you might also want to avoid the attic if your loft insulation isn't up to scratch.
"We've since made the decision to store our paint under the sink in the utility room," confirms Laura. "It's not too hot, or too cold and we've not had any issues since we made the switch."
Have paint leftover? Why not store it in these plastic containers that come complete with mixing balls and paintbrushes and see immediately what you have left for touch-ups and repairs.
What can you do if your paint has frozen?
The good news is, "that if paint is stored above about 5°C, then generally good quality paint will keep for a good few years," Anna Hill tells us.
However, and this is where you need to take note. "Store it somewhere too cold and let it freeze for an extended period of time and I would say there really is no coming back from that," she warns. But, how long it's been cold can make a difference to whether you get to use your paint or not.
"If paint has been lightly frozen once or twice and allowed to thaw slowly at room temperature, it may still be usable," says James Knighton. "However, if paint has frozen solid, frozen multiple times, or separated into lumps, it’s usually beyond saving. The structure of the paint breaks down, which affects performance, durability and finish. At that point, it’s best not to risk it."
"If it’s only been exposed to extreme cold for a short time, I’d recommend letting it thaw out indoors, mechanically stirring it, and then checking for a smooth, creamy consistency," Anna says.
"Do remember though you don’t want cottage-cheese texture or sour-smelling paint," she adds. "If this is what you see when you open the tin, they're clear signs your paint has gone off and shouldn’t be used at all," she warns.
Keen to know the other signs that the paint you've been storing might have seen better days? Find out how to tell if your emulsion paint has gone off, and then make sure you know how to dispose of paint the correct way to avoid any environmental impact.
