If you store leftover house paint in the can it came in, take a few extra steps to make sure it stays fresh and will work when you need to use it in the future. One of the worst enemies of stored paint is air; it dries it out and can dramatically change the original color. To prevent air from getting into a can of paint, cover the top with plastic cling wrap and place the lid on top. Then hammer securely in place and flip it upside down (so the lid part is now facing the ground). This will significantly reduce air exposure, prolonging the life of your can of paint.
ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION