Preventing paint from freezing in garage

[m***@yahoo.com]

Hi,
I'm finishing my basement and will have to permanently move my collection of paint, joint compound etc, from (the climate controlled) basement storage into the unheated stand-alone garage. To give an idea of amount, it's currently stored on a very full 3ft wide x 5ft tall bookshelf in the basement. I'll certainly get rid of the junk, but most is useful.

What do folks typically do to keep their paint and equipment from freezing in an unheated garage... without risking starting a fire?

Thanks
Theodore

[Oren]

Post by m***@yahoo.com
Hi,
I'm finishing my basement and will have to permanently move my collection of paint, joint compound etc, from (the climate controlled) basement storage into the unheated stand-alone garage. To give an idea of amount, it's currently stored on a very full 3ft wide x 5ft tall bookshelf in the basement. I'll certainly get rid of the junk, but most is useful.
What do folks typically do to keep their paint and equipment from freezing in an unheated garage... without risking starting a fire?
Thanks
Theodore

Move to an arid desert climate? :)

I hear paint has a _shelf life_, where it is no longer "good". Have a
5 gallon unopened bucket 9 years old and I'd hate to throw it out for
the time being. It must be good for something.

[KenK]

Post by Oren

Post by m***@yahoo.com
Hi,
I'm finishing my basement and will have to permanently move my
collection of paint, joint compound etc, from (the climate controlled)
basement storage into the unheated stand-alone garage. To give an
idea of amount, it's currently stored on a very full 3ft wide x 5ft
tall bookshelf in the basement. I'll certainly get rid of the junk,
but most is useful.
What do folks typically do to keep their paint and equipment from
freezing in an unheated garage... without risking starting a fire?
Thanks
Theodore

Move to an arid desert climate? :)

I live in an arid desert clime - Yuma AZ. Out in the rural areas it
freezes still here too - once in a while.

Post by Oren
I hear paint has a _shelf life_, where it is no longer "good". Have a
5 gallon unopened bucket 9 years old and I'd hate to throw it out for
the time being. It must be good for something.

[Oren]

Post by KenK
I live in an arid desert clime - Yuma AZ. Out in the rural areas it
freezes still here too - once in a while.

Many folks do not realize just how cold a desert can get at night
after the sun goes down. Never had paint freeze in the garage though.
Outside exposed pipes, yes.

[dpb]

On 12/20/2015 4:08 PM, Oren wrote:
...

Post by Oren
I hear paint has a _shelf life_, where it is no longer "good". Have a
5 gallon unopened bucket 9 years old and I'd hate to throw it out for
the time being. It must be good for something.

I've used some oil-based exterior paint that had to have been 40 year
old that Dad bought closeout stock from local farmers' Co-op when they
closed the retail store. It was, as far as I can tell, as good as new,
both in application and in holding power (it's been almost 10 year now
since first that used and I can't tell it from the other that was new at
the time).

I've also quite a stock of going-on-10 yr-old latex from the barn refurb
that got sidetracked, also that seems no worse for wear; no reason to
think as long as it stays sealed any different.

--

[P***@unlisted.moc]

Post by dpb
I've used some oil-based exterior paint that had to have been 40 year
old that Dad bought closeout stock from local farmers' Co-op when they
closed the retail store. It was, as far as I can tell, as good as new,
both in application and in holding power (it's been almost 10 year now
since first that used and I can't tell it from the other that was new at
the time).
I've also quite a stock of going-on-10 yr-old latex from the barn refurb
that got sidetracked, also that seems no worse for wear; no reason to
think as long as it stays sealed any different.

One problem with storing Latex paint is that the metal cans rust thru.
Then paint leaks all over the place. Even if they dont leak, the rust
can spread on the walls when you use the stuff, leaving streaks of rust.
I see more plastic paint cans these days. I think that's a good thing.

Oil paints never rusted the cans, so there was no issues with metal
cans.

[Oren]

Post by P***@unlisted.moc

Post by dpb
I've used some oil-based exterior paint that had to have been 40 year
old that Dad bought closeout stock from local farmers' Co-op when they
closed the retail store. It was, as far as I can tell, as good as new,
both in application and in holding power (it's been almost 10 year now
since first that used and I can't tell it from the other that was new at
the time).
I've also quite a stock of going-on-10 yr-old latex from the barn refurb
that got sidetracked, also that seems no worse for wear; no reason to
think as long as it stays sealed any different.

One problem with storing Latex paint is that the metal cans rust thru.
Then paint leaks all over the place. Even if they dont leak, the rust
can spread on the walls when you use the stuff, leaving streaks of rust.
I see more plastic paint cans these days. I think that's a good thing.
Oil paints never rusted the cans, so there was no issues with metal
cans.

Awe shucks. Can't remember the last time I bought paint in metal cans,
except a spray can - they never had time to rust.

[c***@snyder.on.ca]

Post by P***@unlisted.moc

Post by dpb
I've used some oil-based exterior paint that had to have been 40 year
old that Dad bought closeout stock from local farmers' Co-op when they
closed the retail store. It was, as far as I can tell, as good as new,
both in application and in holding power (it's been almost 10 year now
since first that used and I can't tell it from the other that was new at
the time).
I've also quite a stock of going-on-10 yr-old latex from the barn refurb
that got sidetracked, also that seems no worse for wear; no reason to
think as long as it stays sealed any different.

One problem with storing Latex paint is that the metal cans rust thru.
Then paint leaks all over the place. Even if they dont leak, the rust
can spread on the walls when you use the stuff, leaving streaks of rust.
I see more plastic paint cans these days. I think that's a good thing.
Oil paints never rusted the cans, so there was no issues with metal
cans.

No issue with the newer paint cans either as they have a lopymer
lining that prevents the interior of the can from rusting. The last
Glidden cans I've gotten have a nice grey liner in them.

[Oren]

Post by dpb
...

Post by Oren
I hear paint has a _shelf life_, where it is no longer "good". Have a
5 gallon unopened bucket 9 years old and I'd hate to throw it out for
the time being. It must be good for something.

I've used some oil-based exterior paint that had to have been 40 year
old that Dad bought closeout stock from local farmers' Co-op when they
closed the retail store. It was, as far as I can tell, as good as new,
both in application and in holding power (it's been almost 10 year now
since first that used and I can't tell it from the other that was new at
the time).
I've also quite a stock of going-on-10 yr-old latex from the barn refurb
that got sidetracked, also that seems no worse for wear; no reason to
think as long as it stays sealed any different.

Thanks. Comforting to know. Tried to sell the sealed plastic bucket
of latex at a yard sale. I'll keep it, mix it well and strain it
when I do open it. (latex elstomeric stucco paint)

[dpb]

...

Post by Oren

Post by dpb
I've also quite a stock of going-on-10 yr-old latex from the barn refurb
that got sidetracked, also that seems no worse for wear; no reason to
think as long as it stays sealed any different.

Thanks. Comforting to know. Tried to sell the sealed plastic bucket
of latex at a yard sale. I'll keep it, mix it well and strain it
when I do open it. (latex elstomeric stucco paint)

I (re)discovered a partial container of latex exterior in nothing more
than one of the snap-lid Folger's coffee containers that had been there
for probably a year just a week ago. It hadn't even skimmed over the
top to my great surprise. Was roughly a third full; so wasn't even the
excuse of no significant air volume to 'splain it...

The storage area is nothing at all special -- it's the well house, a
roughly 10X14 block building that holds the pressure tank and at one
time surrounded the well. There's no cooling in summers, a small gas
heater that keeps it to about 50F minimum during winter. It does stay
reasonably cool in summer owing to the pressure tank water volume and
that it has only a single relatively small east-facing window and
doesn't get any traffic to speak of so doesn't introduce outside air
frequently.

--

[P***@unlisted.moc]

Post by dpb

Post by Oren
Thanks. Comforting to know. Tried to sell the sealed plastic bucket
of latex at a yard sale. I'll keep it, mix it well and strain it
when I do open it. (latex elstomeric stucco paint)

I (re)discovered a partial container of latex exterior in nothing more
than one of the snap-lid Folger's coffee containers that had been there
for probably a year just a week ago. It hadn't even skimmed over the
top to my great surprise. Was roughly a third full; so wasn't even the
excuse of no significant air volume to 'splain it...
The storage area is nothing at all special -- it's the well house, a
roughly 10X14 block building that holds the pressure tank and at one
time surrounded the well. There's no cooling in summers, a small gas
heater that keeps it to about 50F minimum during winter. It does stay
reasonably cool in summer owing to the pressure tank water volume and
that it has only a single relatively small east-facing window and
doesn't get any traffic to speak of so doesn't introduce outside air
frequently.
--

I guess that proves Folgers coffee is safe inside the can. :)
Appears the can does seal air-tight then....

[bob_villain]

Post by P***@unlisted.moc

Post by dpb

Post by Oren
Thanks. Comforting to know. Tried to sell the sealed plastic bucket
of latex at a yard sale. I'll keep it, mix it well and strain it
when I do open it. (latex elstomeric stucco paint)

I (re)discovered a partial container of latex exterior in nothing more
than one of the snap-lid Folger's coffee containers that had been there
for probably a year just a week ago. It hadn't even skimmed over the
top to my great surprise. Was roughly a third full; so wasn't even the
excuse of no significant air volume to 'splain it...
The storage area is nothing at all special -- it's the well house, a
roughly 10X14 block building that holds the pressure tank and at one
time surrounded the well. There's no cooling in summers, a small gas
heater that keeps it to about 50F minimum during winter. It does stay
reasonably cool in summer owing to the pressure tank water volume and
that it has only a single relatively small east-facing window and
doesn't get any traffic to speak of so doesn't introduce outside air
frequently.
--

I guess that proves Folgers coffee is safe inside the can. :)
Appears the can does seal air-tight then....

Coffee containers keep getting smaller...years ago the largest can was 48 oz. now, 24 oz. may be the norm. You're not getting a gallon of liquid in there!

[dpb]

On 12/21/2015 5:20 PM, bob_villain wrote:
...

Post by bob_villain
Coffee containers keep getting smaller...years ago the largest can
was 48 oz. now, 24 oz. may be the norm. You're not getting a gallon
of liquid in there!

Never said was...it was simply a smaller container to use from at the
time--probably never was more than half full to begin with. The source
was one of the 5-gal pails for the barn; clearly not convenient to paint
directly from for a small touchup job.

The only reason for mentioning was the surprise that it was still
pristine with nothing more than that as a container; I've tried using
those same containers for other purposes and if left in the KS sun they
turn to brittle nothing in a very few months. I'd not have expected the
snap-on lid to have been anywhere nearly as effective as it has been nor
even that the plastic itself.

--

[bob_villain]

Post by dpb
...

Post by bob_villain
Coffee containers keep getting smaller...years ago the largest can
was 48 oz. now, 24 oz. may be the norm. You're not getting a gallon
of liquid in there!

Never said was...it was simply a smaller container to use from at the
time--probably never was more than half full to begin with. The source
was one of the 5-gal pails for the barn; clearly not convenient to paint
directly from for a small touchup job.

This was an FYI about the Folger's jug being the same as paint containers...nothing to do with you!

[P***@unlisted.moc]

Post by m***@yahoo.com
What do folks typically do to keep their paint and equipment from
freezing in an unheated garage... without risking starting a fire?
Thanks
Theodore

Most paint is water based LATEX these days. There is NO risk of starting
a fire!

Oil based paints are not supposed to freeze, but I did once leave a
gallon of oil based exterior paint in my unheated tool shed over winter
and in spring it was useless. (I never understood this). But even an oil
base paint should not be a fire risk as long as the lid is tight on the
can.

You have little choice but to bring it indoors where there is heat!
Just dont put the oil based paints on top of your furnace or water
heater.

[Unquestionably Confused]

Post by m***@yahoo.com
Hi,
I'm finishing my basement and will have to permanently move my collection of paint, joint compound etc, from (the climate controlled) basement storage into the unheated stand-alone garage. To give an idea of amount, it's currently stored on a very full 3ft wide x 5ft tall bookshelf in the basement. I'll certainly get rid of the junk, but most is useful.
What do folks typically do to keep their paint and equipment from freezing in an unheated garage... without risking starting a fire?

I recall reading a "tip" a number of years ago that might solve this
very problem. Author of the tip suggested that you take an old worn
out, non-working, refrigerator or, better yet, an upright freezer and
install a 40w bulb in a protective globe (you know what I mean, the
socket and bulb are within a glass jar and maybe that is protected by a
wire cage - at least, you get the idea of protecting it) and simply load
the shelves with your paints, varnish, etc. and during the cold weather
turn on the light. Supposedly that single bulb will be enough to keep
the interior temperature above freezing.

[Stormin Mormon]

Post by Unquestionably Confused

Post by m***@yahoo.com
Hi,
I'm finishing my basement and will have to permanently move my
collection of paint, joint compound etc, from (the climate controlled)
basement storage into the unheated stand-alone garage. To give an
idea of amount, it's currently stored on a very full 3ft wide x 5ft
tall bookshelf in the basement. I'll certainly get rid of the junk,
but most is useful.
What do folks typically do to keep their paint and equipment from
freezing in an unheated garage... without risking starting a fire?

I recall reading a "tip" a number of years ago that might solve this
very problem. Author of the tip suggested that you take an old worn
out, non-working, refrigerator or, better yet, an upright freezer and
install a 40w bulb in a protective globe (you know what I mean, the
socket and bulb are within a glass jar and maybe that is protected by a
wire cage - at least, you get the idea of protecting it) and simply load
the shelves with your paints, varnish, etc. and during the cold weather
turn on the light. Supposedly that single bulb will be enough to keep
the interior temperature above freezing.

And risk a fire from the bulb. Does not sound
workable. I can't think of any answer.

[Unquestionably Confused]

Post by Stormin Mormon

Post by Unquestionably Confused

Post by m***@yahoo.com
Hi,
I'm finishing my basement and will have to permanently move my
collection of paint, joint compound etc, from (the climate controlled)
basement storage into the unheated stand-alone garage. To give an
idea of amount, it's currently stored on a very full 3ft wide x 5ft
tall bookshelf in the basement. I'll certainly get rid of the junk,
but most is useful.
What do folks typically do to keep their paint and equipment from
freezing in an unheated garage... without risking starting a fire?

I recall reading a "tip" a number of years ago that might solve this
very problem. Author of the tip suggested that you take an old worn
out, non-working, refrigerator or, better yet, an upright freezer and
install a 40w bulb in a protective globe (you know what I mean, the
socket and bulb are within a glass jar and maybe that is protected by a
wire cage - at least, you get the idea of protecting it) and simply load
the shelves with your paints, varnish, etc. and during the cold weather
turn on the light. Supposedly that single bulb will be enough to keep
the interior temperature above freezing.

And risk a fire from the bulb. Does not sound
workable. I can't think of any answer.

Perhaps because you didn't read the entire suggestion?

"...install a 40w bulb in a protective globe" (to lessen the risk of
breakage and so if it DOES break, it won't set fire to those steel
containers<g>

Also, can anyone tell us the three elements necessary to sustain a fire?

Okay, an easy one then... why are there laws requiring the removal of
doors from discarded refrigerators and freezers?

[Stormin Mormon]

Post by Unquestionably Confused

Post by Stormin Mormon
And risk a fire from the bulb. Does not sound
workable. I can't think of any answer.

Perhaps because you didn't read the entire suggestion?
"...install a 40w bulb in a protective globe" (to lessen the risk of
breakage and so if it DOES break, it won't set fire to those steel
containers<g>
Also, can anyone tell us the three elements necessary to sustain a fire?
Okay, an easy one then... why are there laws requiring the removal of
doors from discarded refrigerators and freezers?

Yep, risk of fire. So, this doesn't meet the OP
list of criterion.

I've heard those French made Criterion vehicles
don't start well in unheated garages in winter.

[Stormin Mormon]

Post by Unquestionably Confused

Post by Stormin Mormon
And risk a fire from the bulb. Does not sound
workable. I can't think of any answer.

Perhaps because you didn't read the entire suggestion?
"...install a 40w bulb in a protective globe" (to lessen the risk of
breakage and so if it DOES break, it won't set fire to those steel
containers<g>
Also, can anyone tell us the three elements necessary to sustain a fire?
Okay, an easy one then... why are there laws requiring the removal of
doors from discarded refrigerators and freezers?

When I took some fire protection courses, there
were FOUR elements.

Removing doors makes it easier for the trashers.

[c***@snyder.on.ca]

On Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:39:14 -0500, Stormin Mormon

Post by Stormin Mormon

Post by Unquestionably Confused

Post by Stormin Mormon
And risk a fire from the bulb. Does not sound
workable. I can't think of any answer.

Perhaps because you didn't read the entire suggestion?
"...install a 40w bulb in a protective globe" (to lessen the risk of
breakage and so if it DOES break, it won't set fire to those steel
containers<g>
Also, can anyone tell us the three elements necessary to sustain a fire?
Okay, an easy one then... why are there laws requiring the removal of
doors from discarded refrigerators and freezers?

When I took some fire protection courses, there
were FOUR elements.
Removing doors makes it easier for the trashers.

No, it prevents kids, hobos, and others from suffocating in them.
That is why it is LAW.

The 4 elements?

fuel, oxygen, ignition source and what else????

[Stormin Mormon]

Post by c***@snyder.on.ca
On Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:39:14 -0500, Stormin Mormon

Post by Stormin Mormon

Post by Unquestionably Confused
Okay, an easy one then... why are there laws requiring the removal of
doors from discarded refrigerators and freezers?

When I took some fire protection courses, there
were FOUR elements.
Removing doors makes it easier for the trashers.

No, it prevents kids, hobos, and others from suffocating in them.
That is why it is LAW.
The 4 elements?
fuel, oxygen, ignition source and what else????

Sustained chemical reaction.

Which is why dry chem extinguishers work. They
interfere with the reaction.

[Stormin Mormon]

Post by c***@snyder.on.ca
On Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:39:14 -0500, Stormin Mormon

Post by Stormin Mormon

Post by Unquestionably Confused
Okay, an easy one then... why are there laws requiring the removal of
doors from discarded refrigerators and freezers?

When I took some fire protection courses, there
were FOUR elements.
Removing doors makes it easier for the trashers.

No, it prevents kids, hobos, and others from suffocating in them.
That is why it is LAW.
The 4 elements?
fuel, oxygen, ignition source and what else????

The three elements are heat, fuel, and oxygen.
Many things won't burn below certain temperature,
called the flash point.

This is why camp fire builders use ignition,
tinder, kindling, and then fire wood.

It's also why flash point temperature is listed
for many chemicals.

[DerbyDad03]

Post by Stormin Mormon

Post by c***@snyder.on.ca
On Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:39:14 -0500, Stormin Mormon

Post by Stormin Mormon

Post by Unquestionably Confused
Okay, an easy one then... why are there laws requiring the removal of
doors from discarded refrigerators and freezers?

When I took some fire protection courses, there
were FOUR elements.
Removing doors makes it easier for the trashers.

No, it prevents kids, hobos, and others from suffocating in them.
That is why it is LAW.
The 4 elements?
fuel, oxygen, ignition source and what else????

The three elements are heat, fuel, and oxygen.
Many things won't burn below certain temperature,
called the flash point.
This is why camp fire builders use ignition,
tinder, kindling, and then fire wood.

Kindling? Who needs kindling?

Loading Image...

[Gordon Shumway]

On Mon, 21 Dec 2015 14:13:29 -0600, Unquestionably Confused
<Snip>

Post by Unquestionably Confused

Post by Stormin Mormon
And risk a fire from the bulb. Does not sound
workable. I can't think of any answer.

Perhaps because you didn't read the entire suggestion?
"...install a 40w bulb in a protective globe" (to lessen the risk of
breakage and so if it DOES break, it won't set fire to those steel
containers<g>
Also, can anyone tell us the three elements necessary to sustain a fire?

Raising hand, jumping up and down screaming "I know, I know! It's
fuel, heat and... give me a second, I'll get it. Oh, oh, oxygen!"

Post by Unquestionably Confused
Okay, an easy one then... why are there laws requiring the removal of
doors from discarded refrigerators and freezers?

Um, to keep future Democrats from suffocating themselves. What does
this have to do with fire? Oh, I get it now. Never mind.

[Oren]

On Mon, 21 Dec 2015 15:57:11 -0600, Gordon Shumway

Post by Gordon Shumway
On Mon, 21 Dec 2015 14:13:29 -0600, Unquestionably Confused
<Snip>

Post by Unquestionably Confused

Post by Stormin Mormon
And risk a fire from the bulb. Does not sound
workable. I can't think of any answer.

Perhaps because you didn't read the entire suggestion?
"...install a 40w bulb in a protective globe" (to lessen the risk of
breakage and so if it DOES break, it won't set fire to those steel
containers<g>
Also, can anyone tell us the three elements necessary to sustain a fire?

Raising hand, jumping up and down screaming "I know, I know! It's
fuel, heat and... give me a second, I'll get it. Oh, oh, oxygen!"

Post by Unquestionably Confused
Okay, an easy one then... why are there laws requiring the removal of
doors from discarded refrigerators and freezers?

Um, to keep future Democrats from suffocating themselves. What does
this have to do with fire? Oh, I get it now. Never mind.

+1

[Stormin Mormon]

Post by Gordon Shumway
On Mon, 21 Dec 2015 14:13:29 -0600, Unquestionably Confused

Post by Unquestionably Confused
Okay, an easy one then... why are there laws requiring the removal of
doors from discarded refrigerators and freezers?

Um, to keep future Democrats from suffocating themselves. What does
this have to do with fire? Oh, I get it now. Never mind.

They grow up and become arsonists.

[DerbyDad03]

Post by Unquestionably Confused

Post by Stormin Mormon

Post by Unquestionably Confused

Post by m***@yahoo.com
Hi,
I'm finishing my basement and will have to permanently move my
collection of paint, joint compound etc, from (the climate controlled)
basement storage into the unheated stand-alone garage. To give an
idea of amount, it's currently stored on a very full 3ft wide x 5ft
tall bookshelf in the basement. I'll certainly get rid of the junk,
but most is useful.
What do folks typically do to keep their paint and equipment from
freezing in an unheated garage... without risking starting a fire?

I recall reading a "tip" a number of years ago that might solve this
very problem. Author of the tip suggested that you take an old worn
out, non-working, refrigerator or, better yet, an upright freezer and
install a 40w bulb in a protective globe (you know what I mean, the
socket and bulb are within a glass jar and maybe that is protected by a
wire cage - at least, you get the idea of protecting it) and simply load
the shelves with your paints, varnish, etc. and during the cold weather
turn on the light. Supposedly that single bulb will be enough to keep
the interior temperature above freezing.

And risk a fire from the bulb. Does not sound
workable. I can't think of any answer.

Perhaps because you didn't read the entire suggestion?
"...install a 40w bulb in a protective globe" (to lessen the risk of
breakage and so if it DOES break, it won't set fire to those steel
containers<g>
Also, can anyone tell us the three elements necessary to sustain a fire?
Okay, an easy one then... why are there laws requiring the removal of
doors from discarded refrigerators and freezers?

It's all about the children.

[c***@snyder.on.ca]

On Mon, 21 Dec 2015 15:02:50 -0500, Stormin Mormon

Post by Stormin Mormon

Post by Unquestionably Confused

Post by m***@yahoo.com
Hi,
I'm finishing my basement and will have to permanently move my
collection of paint, joint compound etc, from (the climate controlled)
basement storage into the unheated stand-alone garage. To give an
idea of amount, it's currently stored on a very full 3ft wide x 5ft
tall bookshelf in the basement. I'll certainly get rid of the junk,
but most is useful.
What do folks typically do to keep their paint and equipment from
freezing in an unheated garage... without risking starting a fire?

I recall reading a "tip" a number of years ago that might solve this
very problem. Author of the tip suggested that you take an old worn
out, non-working, refrigerator or, better yet, an upright freezer and
install a 40w bulb in a protective globe (you know what I mean, the
socket and bulb are within a glass jar and maybe that is protected by a
wire cage - at least, you get the idea of protecting it) and simply load
the shelves with your paints, varnish, etc. and during the cold weather
turn on the light. Supposedly that single bulb will be enough to keep
the interior temperature above freezing.

And risk a fire from the bulb. Does not sound
workable. I can't think of any answer.

We did that to keep welding rods dry.
If using for paint you would want a thermostat to shut off the light
when it got too warm. (Mabee a thermocube inside the fridge)

[m***@yahoo.com]

Post by c***@snyder.on.ca
If using for paint you would want a thermostat to shut off the light
when it got too warm. (Mabee a thermocube inside the fridge)

Hi, I'm the OP. I'm in the Northeast, so my uninsulated detached garage has no guarantee to remain above freezing during a brutal winter. Thermocube sounds interesting. I'm still very wary of rigging a low-grade heater and plugging it in and leaving it unattended for weeks/months while it gently warms a closet or container or old fridge full of somewhat volatile chemicals (i.e. paints), but I think what most folks are saying is my choice is either this, or find SOMEWHERE ELSE in the basement.

[Don Y]

Hi, I'm finishing my basement and will have to permanently move my
collection of paint, joint compound etc, from (the climate controlled)
basement storage into the unheated stand-alone garage. To give an idea of
amount, it's currently stored on a very full 3ft wide x 5ft tall bookshelf
in the basement. I'll certainly get rid of the junk, but most is useful.

Useful for what? Paint isn't *that* expensive that you've got a sizeable
"investment" tucked away, there.

What do folks typically do to keep their paint and equipment from freezing
in an unheated garage... without risking starting a fire?

Capture paint swatches from each sample (assuming they are custom colors)
and write the name/brand/formulation of each on the back for future
reference. Go to store and have something compatible tinted when you next
need it. "Store" the dollars required to purchase it in the bank...

[bob_villain]

Post by Don Y

Hi, I'm finishing my basement and will have to permanently move my
collection of paint, joint compound etc, from (the climate controlled)
basement storage into the unheated stand-alone garage. To give an idea of
amount, it's currently stored on a very full 3ft wide x 5ft tall bookshelf
in the basement. I'll certainly get rid of the junk, but most is useful.

Useful for what? Paint isn't *that* expensive that you've got a sizeable
"investment" tucked away, there.

What do folks typically do to keep their paint and equipment from freezing
in an unheated garage... without risking starting a fire?

Capture paint swatches from each sample (assuming they are custom colors)
and write the name/brand/formulation of each on the back for future
reference. Go to store and have something compatible tinted when you next
need it. "Store" the dollars required to purchase it in the bank...

Who needs Tupperware...it can't be *that* expensive to make a fresh meal or go-out to eat? (⊙_◎)

[dpb]

On 12/21/2015 12:05 PM, bob_villain wrote:
...

Post by Don Y
Useful for what? Paint isn't *that* expensive that you've got a sizeable
"investment" tucked away, there.

...

Paint certainly isn't _in_expensive any longer...last gallon of
"inexpensive" exterior latex I bought was over $30 and that was a "store
brand". The paint bill for the barn was >$8K; don't think I'll be
tossing the rest before we finally get around to finishing it up (and
that was w/ a decent discount from one of the box outlets a number of
years ago; would probably be 50% more now, at least).

--

[bob_villain]

Post by dpb
...

Post by Don Y
Useful for what? Paint isn't *that* expensive that you've got a sizeable
"investment" tucked away, there.

...
Paint certainly isn't _in_expensive any longer...last gallon of
"inexpensive" exterior latex I bought was over $30 and that was a "store
brand". The paint bill for the barn was >$8K; don't think I'll be
tossing the rest before we finally get around to finishing it up (and
that was w/ a decent discount from one of the box outlets a number of
years ago; would probably be 50% more now, at least).
--

You are misquoting...this is from DonY! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Jmoconn]

Actually paint is getting pricier every year. In addition, products and formulations get frequently updated which means anything new will never touch up like the original gallon of paint for a custom formula or updated product. Working in the paint industry I see this happen all of the time

[Gordon Shumway]

Post by m***@yahoo.com
Hi,
I'm finishing my basement and will have to permanently move my collection of paint, joint compound etc, from (the climate controlled) basement storage into the unheated stand-alone garage. To give an idea of amount, it's currently stored on a very full 3ft wide x 5ft tall bookshelf in the basement. I'll certainly get rid of the junk, but most is useful.
What do folks typically do to keep their paint and equipment from freezing in an unheated garage... without risking starting a fire?
Thanks
Theodore

You've got at least 4 choices:

1. Move to a warmer climate.
2. Heat the garage.
3. Leave the paint where it is.
4. Dispose of the paint.

Of course there are other choices, one of which may involve inserting
the paint into one of your orifices. That would definitely prevent it
from freezing.

[Stormin Mormon]

Post by Gordon Shumway

Post by m***@yahoo.com
Hi,
I'm finishing my basement and will have to permanently move my collection of paint, joint compound etc, from (the climate controlled) basement storage into the unheated stand-alone garage. To give an idea of amount, it's currently stored on a very full 3ft wide x 5ft tall bookshelf in the basement. I'll certainly get rid of the junk, but most is useful.
What do folks typically do to keep their paint and equipment from freezing in an unheated garage... without risking starting a fire?
Thanks
Theodore

1. Move to a warmer climate.
2. Heat the garage.
3. Leave the paint where it is.
4. Dispose of the paint.
Of course there are other choices, one of which may involve inserting
the paint into one of your orifices. That would definitely prevent it
from freezing.

Since the OP wants zero risk of fire, we can't
mention electric heat of any form. Not even
light bulbs.

[Stormin Mormon]

Post by m***@yahoo.com
Hi,
I'm finishing my basement and will have to permanently move my collection of paint, joint compound etc, from (the climate controlled) basement storage into the unheated stand-alone garage. To give an idea of amount, it's currently stored on a very full 3ft wide x 5ft tall bookshelf in the basement. I'll certainly get rid of the junk, but most is useful.
What do folks typically do to keep their paint and equipment from freezing in an unheated garage... without risking starting a fire?
Thanks
Theodore

Don't think there is answer to this one.

Based on your conditions, can't think of a thing.