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The Paint Problem: How High School Theaters Should Store Gallons of Paint Safely
Walk into any high school scene shop and you’ll probably find a collection of half-used paint cans stacked in corners, crammed on utility shelves, or tucked into plastic bins. It’s a familiar sight—but it’s also a serious hazard. Whether you’re working with a fresh gallon of Rosco Supersaturated Scenic Paint or the same beige latex you’ve used for flats since 2018, storing paint incorrectly puts students, staff, and your theater at risk.
This guide explains how to store paint safely, legally, and practically in a high school theater setting. You’ll learn how to comply with OSHA and fire codes, protect your program from avoidable hazards, and create a cleaner, more efficient shop space. Plus, you’ll get a free downloadable checklist to help you get started.
1. Understand the Types of Paint You Use
Most high school theaters use a variety of paints, including:
- Latex (water-based): Most common for scenic work; lower toxicity but still produces vapors and can spoil if frozen.
- Oil-based: More durable but flammable and more hazardous.
- Aerosols/Spray Paints: Extremely flammable and pressure-sensitive; require careful storage.
- Scenic Paints (e.g., Rosco): Often water-based but still require SDS review for proper handling.
Each of these has different storage requirements—especially regarding fire risk. Always reference the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each product and store the SDS in a binder or digital format, accessible to all supervising staff (OSHA, 2012).
2. Use That Flammable Storage Cabinet—Correctly
Most high schools already have a yellow metal flammable storage cabinet somewhere in their shop or backstage area—but many don’t use them properly. Here’s how to change that.
What Goes In the Cabinet:
- Oil-based paints
- Aerosols
- Flammable solvents and thinners
- Any product with a flash point under 100°F (check the SDS)
What Doesn’t Need to Be In the Cabinet:
- Latex paint (but it can be stored there if space allows)
Cabinet Requirements:
- Clearly labeled “Flammable – Keep Fire Away”
- Self-closing doors (NFPA 30 §9.5.4)
- Grounded to prevent static discharge
- Not located in stairwells or high-traffic hallways (NFPA 101 §8.7.1.1)
It is STRONGLY recommended to have clear labels and signage posted. New students join and leave the theater program with every show. Don’t assume they know unless you tell them. Don’t assume the instructor has the time to clean up after them to put the paint away in the correct space. Teachers work hard. They’re often thankful when most things are painted on time.
Reference: National Fire Protection Association. (2024). NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.
3. Label and Inventory Everything
Unmarked paint is a liability. Every paint can should be clearly labeled with:
- Paint type and brand
- Color name (not just a swatch)
- Date opened
- Production used (optional but helpful)
Use a simple inventory system to track what’s on hand, what’s expired, and what needs restocking. Your free checklist download includes a template for this.
4. Control the Environment
Paint is sensitive to extreme temperatures. Latex paint, in particular, can freeze and become unusable. Ideally, store paint in a climate-controlled space—not an outdoor shed or uninsulated storage room.
If that’s not possible, advocate for your program by submitting a facilities request to relocate your storage to a more stable environment. Include citations from OSHA and NFPA to support your case.
Reference: Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2012). Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR §1910.1200.
5. Manage Student Access and Supervision
Paint storage and use should be supervised at all times. This isn’t about limiting student involvement—it’s about setting expectations for safe, professional practices.
Best Practices:
- Limit access to one or two trained student leads
- Provide training on reading SDS sheets and using PPE
- Post safety signage and rules clearly in the storage area
6. Dispose of Old Paint the Right Way
Don’t hoard leftover paint from past shows. Paint doesn’t last forever:
- Latex paint: ~2 years if unopened and stored properly
- Oil-based paint: 2–5 years depending on conditions
Check with your district’s maintenance or environmental safety department for approved hazardous waste disposal methods. Never pour paint down the drain or toss it in the trash.
7. Real-World Cautionary Tale
During a recent inspection, we found dozens of unlabeled cans—some bulging with pressure—stored under a stairwell next to a lighting dimmer rack. One can had rusted through and leaked across the floor. The teacher believed everything was water-based, but a quick check of the SDS showed three flammable solvents on hand. This wasn’t just non-compliant—it was dangerous.
The fix? Reorganize, relabel, dispose of expired materials, and start fresh with clear safety procedures.
8. Administrative Guidance: How to Ask for What You Need
Need a cabinet, better storage room, or disposal support? Here’s how to approach your administration:
- Be specific: “We need a flammable cabinet rated to NFPA 30 for storing aerosol paints and solvents.”
- Cite the codes: OSHA 1910.106, NFPA 30, NFPA 101
- Use visuals: Show photos of current conditions and examples of compliant setups
- Offer a checklist: Proactively include the checklist below to show your preparedness
Your students deserve a theater that’s not just creative—but safe. Proper paint storage might not be the flashiest part of putting on a show, but it’s one of the most important behind-the-scenes practices you can teach. Model it well, and your students will carry that lesson far beyond the stage.
References
National Fire Protection Association. (2024). NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards
National Fire Protection Association. (2024). NFPA 101: Life Safety Code. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2012). Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR §1910.1200). https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1200