storing paint and flammables

[BTL-A4]

I have a small amount of auto paint, hardener and reducer I need to store. I will need to use it in the next few months so throwing it away is not an option. I also have a few small (2 pint, I think) containers of acetone, lacquer thinner and paint remover. There is about 3 gallons total for everything. I'd like to store it in a cupboard I mount on the wall since I'm out of floor space. But, I'd like it to be safe. I'm looking for a metal flammable liquids cabinet on CL, but thought I'd ask here about storage.
Can I use a plain metal cabinet? Can I make a small wood one that I hang on the wall? I want something that is easily accessible.

It seems the flammable storage cabinets have self-closing doors and maybe a thicker wall to keep fire at bay to allow time to get people to safety. What else is special about them?

 

[Rattle]

I just use file cabinets. The proper flammable storage cabinets are a little beefier, at least the ones at my work are. The problems with a wood cabinet is they will soak up liquids and will catch on fire.

 

[bad_idea]

The purpose of a flam locker is to keep the flammables away from fire or sources of ignition. Not to contain a fire inside the cabinet if that stuff catches fire (you seem to understand that, but it is a common misconception. Do you have a shed? Stick all of that out in the shed. Dual purpose - gets it away from sources of ignition and also away from valuable items that are in the garage.

As Rattle stated, wood cabinets are not a good idea as they soak up the flammables and then burn REALLY well. Any steel cabinet is better than nothing. Keep in mind gas cans and spray paint are just as hazardous as that paint and painting supplies. Best to keep all of that stuff out in a shed, especially if the garage is attached to the house. Great excuse to feed the wife for getting a shed if you don't already have one! You want it for her safety and the kids too.

 

[BTL-A4]

I've been reading about it a little and it seems that one option is to store them on open shelves so vapors can dissipate. This does nothing in the event of a fire, though.

I was surprised to learn that wood CAN be used:
These regulations also provide an option for wood cabinets. 1910.106(d)(3)(ii)(b) states that wood cabinets must be constructed in the following manner:
Bottom, top and sides of cabinet must be constructed of exterior-grade plywood at least one inch thick
Plywood must not break down or delaminate under fire conditions
Joints shall be rabbetted and fastened in two directions with flathead wood screws
When more than one door is used, they must have a rabbetted overlap of not less than one inch
Hinges must be mounted in such a manner as not to lose their holding capacity due to loosening or burning out of the screws when subjected to the fire test

https://www.grainger.com/content/qt-safety-flammables-combustibles-179

I have a garden shed, but it's right next to the house. I live in the suburbs and have a small yard, so moving the shed is not an option. There's no room in it anyway. The temp extremes are greater there than in the garage, too. That said, I do store the mower gas in a one gallon container in there, along with the mower, gas blower and TrueFuel, and a quart of oil.

Maybe I can make a small wood cabinet with a metal floor or tray. I can cut holes so it's ventilated. I've stored paint, spray cans and acetone for years with no issues.

This question came about because I have lots of small paint, solvent, et,c containers from painting a car and need a place to store them. I'm just wondering where the tipping point is for better storage options. Most people around here store solvents and gas in garages with no issues, but it seems there is a point at which these types of items need to be stored in a better manner.

 

[BajaScout]

Ammo cans work great. CL, swap meets etc...


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[rahimlee54]

If you want a purpose made flammable cabinet keep an eye on the used market. Ive seen em go for as low as 100 bucks. I like eagle brand with the pull handle not the one that turns.

 

[rayra]

...This question came about because I have lots of small paint, solvent, et,c containers from painting a car and need a place to store them. I'm just wondering where the tipping point is for better storage options. Most people around here store solvents and gas in garages with no issues, but it seems there is a point at which these types of items need to be stored in a better manner.

You need to recalibrate your concerns. The stuff is in metal containers, is it not? Not going to spontaneously combust and any fire in your garage would have to be significant and practically a total writeoff before the containers become an issue.
You put them away from an ignition source so as to be away from a FIRE, not because they themselves are the primary ignition risk.

What IS a far greater concern is the detritus associated with such chems. Rags, brushes, drop clothes. That stuff WILL spontaneously combust and needs proper disposal and containment. Have a VOC-soaked rag? Spread it out on concrete so it dries promptly, or put it in a metal container with a snug fitting lid.
When I'm working on staining or finishing a wood project, I use a purpose-bought empty 1gal paint can to put the staining rags / sponges in, when I'm done for the day. And typically leave them laid out in the open to dry as much as possible while I'm working / present..

Lastly it does no good to have a cabinet and then drill ventilation holes in it. Cross-purposes. Either close the containers up tight in a box, or leave them out on a shelf.

 

[Benw455]

I have some paint and clear left over from a recent job I did. I stored everything in a old cooler. I was hoping it wouldn't freeze. And it didn't. So maybe you can store yours in a cooler and put it on a shelf?

 

[BTL-A4]

You need to recalibrate your concerns. The stuff is in metal containers, is it not? Not going to spontaneously combust and any fire in your garage would have to be significant and practically a total writeoff before the containers become an issue.
You put them away from an ignition source so as to be away from a FIRE, not because they themselves are the primary ignition risk.

What IS a far greater concern is the detritus associated with such chems. Rags, brushes, drop clothes. That stuff WILL spontaneously combust and needs proper disposal and containment. Have a VOC-soaked rag? Spread it out on concrete so it dries promptly, or put it in a metal container with a snug fitting lid.
When I'm working on staining or finishing a wood project, I use a purpose-bought empty 1gal paint can to put the staining rags / sponges in, when I'm done for the day. And typically leave them laid out in the open to dry as much as possible while I'm working / present..

Lastly it does no good to have a cabinet and then drill ventilation holes in it. Cross-purposes. Either close the containers up tight in a box, or leave them out on a shelf.

I think you have nailed it. The containers the stuff comes in are fine; after all, the store sells them that way and they have way more in the store than I ever will. The issue really is the rags, brushes, etc you mention. I think I'll get a paint can and use that. I currently leave the rags outside to dry, then throw them away in small batches.

I think for my purposes, storing everything on shelves in a closed cupboard will be fine. The cupboard is not really going to be very airtight; it's just to cover up the cans so the garage looks neat and to keep the dust down. I see your point about cross purposes, though. Thanks for pointing that out.


I currently have the car paint stuff in a cardboard box on a lower shelf, and the acetone and other common household chemicals in a shelf higher up within my reach. I was working with the auto paint stuff this weekend and it was a real mess getting everything out and looking for what I wanted. I want something where they are all easy to get to without moving other stuff out of the way or having to temporarily place them somewhere that ends up being in the way. Seems like a shelf or cupboard would be the way to go; everything has a place and can be used and put back without too much trouble. I thought I'd ask around and see what others thought/did.

 

[fartymarty]

I have an old upright freezer in the garage that we stored beef in, but after 15 years of operation in my usually hot Texas garage, the compressor quit. I now use it for paint storage. I assumed that any possible vapor pressure build up would over power the magnetic gasket and that my primary goal of keeping the paint containers from ignition sources is achieved. However if there are some experts on here (self appointed or credentialed) that think it's a bad idea and can provide reasoning to support same...I'd welcome hearing about it. I hate doing something stupid, ....except occasionally when I know it's stupid but because I'm cheap and lazy I do it anyway.

 

[rayra]

...I currently leave the rags outside to dry, then throw them away in small batches..

That right there is a real and serious fire hazard. That pile of rags can combust on its own, without an external ignition source, if conditions are right.

They sell rag cans, mini galvanized trash cans, which are typically marketed for mechanics / oily/greasy rags. Feed / farm stores have pretty much the same pails marketed as feed bins. I eventually got one myself as my clean rag box / pile was stupidly right below a vise I use when cutting / milling metal. The clean rag pile isn't there anymore.

 

[warrens]

Buying a used flammable locker is a good idea. Just make sure it is in good shape.

 

[MushCreek]

I picked up a big (6' tall) flammables cabinet at auction for $50. The only drawback is that it's HEAVY. They make much smaller ones, of course. Mine is full.

 

[rlitman]

That right there is a real and serious fire hazard. That pile of rags can combust on its own, without an external ignition source, if conditions are right.

They sell rag cans, mini galvanized trash cans, which are typically marketed for mechanics / oily/greasy rags. Feed / farm stores have pretty much the same pails marketed as feed bins. I eventually got one myself as my clean rag box / pile was stupidly right below a vise I use when cutting / milling metal. The clean rag pile isn't there anymore.

Read the label on your can. It says “EMPTY EVERY NIGHT”. So what do you do with your rags after they’ve been through the can?

The right answer is to let them dry out outside. But the important thing to know is to never let them get into a pile. You spread out each and every rag and clip them up like drying laundry. It takes many thick layers of rags for heat to build up to spontaneously combust. Spread out flat, they dry safely.

 

[nateo]

I was surprised to learn that wood CAN be used:
These regulations also provide an option for wood cabinets. 1910.106(d)(3)(ii)(b) states that wood cabinets must be constructed in the following manner:
Bottom, top and sides of cabinet must be constructed of exterior-grade plywood at least one inch thick
Plywood must not break down or delaminate under fire conditions
Joints shall be rabbetted and fastened in two directions with flathead wood screws
When more than one door is used, they must have a rabbetted overlap of not less than one inch
Hinges must be mounted in such a manner as not to lose their holding capacity due to loosening or burning out of the screws when subjected to the fire test

Popular Woodworking had plans for a wooden flammable cabinet that meets fire code requirements. The best part is they sized the cabinet to use a single sheet of plywood.

I'm not allowed to post the link but a Google search for "wooden flammables cabinet" should turn it up pretty quick!

 

[rlitman]

Popular Woodworking had plans for a wooden flammable cabinet that meets fire code requirements. The best part is they sized the cabinet to use a single sheet of plywood.

I'm not allowed to post the link but a Google search for "wooden flammables cabinet" should turn it up pretty quick!

I'll post the link:
https://www.popularwoodworking.com/projects/aw-extra-112113-flammables-cabinet/

Looks like an ok design for minimal protection. If you wrap that in type X sheetrock, you'll have something much better.

 

[countryroad82]

I store my paint and supplies in a big metal 2 door cabinet. Going to have to purge my leftovers soon because I’m out of room.

 

[Platonic Solid]

I had a 1 Gal. Can of reducer sitting on an unfinished plywood shelf in my attached garage for several years. Bottom of Can eventually rusted and contents soaked into plywood and evaporated into air.

 

[grump]

If you can find them electrical panel cabinets work great. I got two of them from my work place that they were going to scrap out. The hinges had a little bend in them which a block of wood and hammer fixed. They're explosion proof for electrical purposes. They are a little difficult to find. I had to weld up some bolt holes after I pulled the insides. Work great.

 

[Norcal]

I am in the process of converting a NEMA type 3R 1600 ampere switchboard into a flammable storage cabinet it’s been gutted but still needs shelves. Being 3R means it is a rain tight enclosure and far enough away from structures so if the contents were to catch fire it would not be a big problem.

 

[great white tj]

Just my 2 cents and I am not trying to be an ***........ How is all this stored at Lowes... HD... Grainger... Sherwin Williams.... Benjamin Moore...ect.... some of this sits on shelves for months or years.

 

[rlitman]

Just my 2 cents and I am not trying to be an ***........ How is all this stored at Lowes... HD... Grainger... Sherwin Williams.... Benjamin Moore...ect.... some of this sits on shelves for months or years.

Most hardware stores that have oil based paints and solvents have their fire sprinkler systems integrated into the warehouse shelving. Do you have a hydraulic sprinkler system?

 

[bad_idea]

Most hardware stores that have oil based paints and solvents have their fire sprinkler systems integrated into the warehouse shelving. Do you have a hydraulic sprinkler system?

They also do not conduct hot work or operate internal combustion engines in the stores.