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Like any paint, the magnetic type has a shelf life. Depending on the formula and manufacturer, the paint can last between 12 months and 5 years for an unopened can. But even magnetic paint with a five-year shelf life can go bad sooner, depending on the storage location and temperature. Opening the tin and improperly resealing it also expedites expiration.

If your paint smells funky and is still lumpy after stirring, this is a sign it isn’t usable anymore.

Paint costs anywhere from $10 to $100 per gallon on average, depending on the type of paint, brand, quality, and more. Primer costs the least, while exterior paint tends to cost the most. Premium brands like Sherwin-Williams®, Benjamin Moore®, and Rust-Oleum® come in as the priciest paint brands, while Diamond Brite®, PPG-owned Glidden®, and Sherwin-Williams-owned Valspar® are some of the lowest-costing paints.

The heaviest paint when dry is paint that has a thick pigment and additives like sand or some other aggregate. Oil-based paints can take the longest to dry because of their thicker pigments and higher densities, while water-based paints might be lighter when dry because the weight of the water reduces as it evaporates from the paint.

A finishing layer is an important step in the staining process. A top coat helps make a stain last longer by protecting it from spills, scratches, and natural weathering.

A lacquer finish is thin, fast-drying, and best used for cabinets, molding, and trim. It’s not recommended for outdoor furniture. Another option is varnish, which has a glossy finish with a protective film and is often used on outdoor wood objects. Polyurethane, known as “liquid plastic,” dries quickly but doesn’t hold up well in the heat. Lastly, a shellac finish adds a warm tint to wood but is affected by heat.