I've stocked up on a lot of different types of paint and I didn't even realize that these can probably go bad after a while. So how long do paints normally last? Acrylics, enamels, lacquer, etc?
Thanks!

If the lids are properly sealed, most types of paint will last for quite some time, dependant on ambient temperature. I'm still using some Humbrol tins I've had for years (enamel). I also had some Tamiya acrylics for a long time, but once I started to use them, they seemed to go off quite quickly. Generally speaking the slower drying paints seem to last the longest. However if the seal of the lid is poor (eg if like me you tend to clean a loaded brush on the edge of the tin), they can go off almost overnight! The varnishes, matt & gloss, & the metallics (silver & gold) seem to be the worst. In particular they seem to seperate badly, & after a time they won't mix fully, string & don't adhere well.

I have to agree - it's a big "It all depends". I've had some tamiyas stay good a year or so, some testors almost 3. Then others after I open them last only six or so months. The seal is the big thing. One thing you should try to do is keep the top edge of the bottle clean before replacing the lid. This helps the seal and makes them last longer.

I've had very good luck in the longevity area with Vallejo Model Colors, Model Air and their Game Colors (Valley Jo!)

Prior to using Valleio... I used Citadel Colors and they lasted for years as well....

It's the plastic bottles with "pop tops" the seal is far better then any of the glass or metal jars with screw caps...

and Vallejo has gone one step further with the eye dropper design built in.. now I can't mess with the seal!

It took a wile to get use to the paints... but I love em now. (I still use others from time... but for the most part, I stick to Valleio.)

-Chris