What is meant by "shelf life" of paint?

The term "shelf life" of paint refers to the period during which paint can be stored without losing its properties. This includes maintaining its viscosity, color, adhesion characteristics, and overall effectiveness as a coating. Proper storage conditions, such as avoiding extreme temperatures and keeping the containers sealed, play a critical role in extending the shelf life.

Understanding shelf life is crucial for users and manufacturers, as it affects inventory management, painting projects, and quality control. Knowing the shelf life helps ensure that paint products perform as expected when eventually used, avoiding issues such as separation, hardening, or decreased adhesion that can occur when paint is stored beyond its effective period.