Smarter Ways to Store or Dispose of Leftover Paint

May 16, 2025

Open, paint-splattered cans hold leftover paint in several colors.

Almost every home has at least one or two half-full paint cans hiding in the back of a closet or cluttering the shelves in the garage. Over time, paint and varnish stored in cans can oxidize and degrade. Paint color changes, and varnish or sealers can become useless. Or paint can dry out entirely, which is a waste and also makes the paint impossible to recycle.

Plus, let's face it: space is *always* at a premium in the Bay Area, and keeping a gallon can around just to save half a cup of paint isn't ideal.

We just came across a cool, creative solution that we wanted to share with you. It's called the StopLoss Bag. The company's owners call it the "painter's answer to boxed wine".

These clever storage bags are designed to hold leftover paint and keep it fresh—without the mess or wasted space of cans. You just pour your leftover paint into the bag, squeeze out the air, and seal it up. The airtight design helps prevent drying and skinning, so your paint stays usable for much longer.

The bags are flexible and take up way less room than cans, so your storage area stays neater. They're also washable and reusable.

Whether you’re a frequent DIYer or just want to keep your wall color handy for touch-ups, StopLossBags make it easier to store and reuse paint without the usual hassle. Checkout their website for pricing and information.

Have paint you no longer need? Don't dump it, recycle it!

Paint Care has convenient recycling centers all over the state (there are a handful just in SF), and they'll take up to 5 gallons of your old paint at a time. Visit their site HERE and enter your zip code to find the nearest location. Always make sure to dispose of paint responsibly.