Paint refers to the water-soluble dye inside paintballs used in the sport of paintball. The paint is non-toxic, biodegradable, and washes out of clothing and equipment easily. Paintball paints come in a variety of colors and formulas, including standard, tournament-grade, and low-impact options to suit different playing styles and preferences.
But, how long do paintballs last? The shelf life of paintballs varies depending on storage conditions and the quality of the paint. Typically, paintballs have a shelf life of 6-12 months when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat and humidity can cause paintballs to swell, deform, or break prematurely, reducing their shelf life. It’s important to check the manufacture and expiration dates on paintball packages before purchasing and using them to ensure the best quality and performance.
Do Paintballs go Bad? – Where to store Paintballs?
Yes, paintballs can go bad if they are not stored properly. The shelf life of paintballs can be affected by a variety of factors, including temperature, humidity, and exposure to light. Paintballs are made of gelatin shells filled with water-soluble dye. Over time, the gelatin can dry out and become brittle, making the paintballs more likely to break prematurely. Heat and humidity can also cause the gelatin to swell and deform, affecting the accuracy and performance of the paintballs. To ensure the best shelf life for your paintballs, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, in their original packaging, and avoid exposing them to foreign substances.
How to store Paintballs?
- Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid storing paintballs in damp or humid areas.
- Store paintballs in their original packaging, which is designed to protect them from moisture and light.
- If you need to transfer paintballs to a different container, choose a sealed, airtight container that is specifically designed for paintball storage.
- Avoid exposing paintballs to any foreign substances, such as oil or dirt.
- Rotate your paintballs regularly to ensure that they are all used within their recommended shelf life.
By following these tips, you can help maximize the lifespan of your paintballs and ensure that you get the most out of your paintballing experience.
Read more about: What are Paintball made of?
Can we use Expired Paints?
No, using expired paintballs is not a good idea. Paintballs can go bad over time and expire, which means they may not perform as well or may even break prematurely.
Impacts
- Using expired paintballs can affect the accuracy and consistency of your shots, and can also cause damage to your equipment.
- Expired paintballs can be more likely to cause injuries due to their decreased performance and increased likelihood of breaking on impact
My recommendation is to always use fresh, quality paintballs to ensure the best performance and safety on the paintball field. If you have expired paintballs, it is better to dispose of them properly and invest in a fresh supply for your next game.
Indications That Paintballs are Expired?
It’s important to inspect your paintballs before using them and discard any that show signs of damage, age, or deterioration. Using old or damaged paintballs can affect your accuracy and consistency on the paintball field and can also pose a safety risk.
Following are the indications that your paintball is expired.
- Swollen or misshapen shells: If the gelatin shell of a paintball is swollen or misshapen, it may be an indication that it has absorbed moisture and is no longer suitable for use.
- Brittleness: If the gelatin shell of a paintball is dry and brittle, it may be an indication that it has become too old and is likely to break prematurely.
- Discoloration: If the dye inside a paintball appears discolored or has changed in consistency, it may be an indication that it has gone bad.
- Expired or close to expiration date: If a paintball package has expired or is close to its expiration date, it may not perform as well and should not be used.
- Broken or damaged shells: If a paintball shell is broken or damaged, it should not be used as it may cause damage to your equipment or injure other players.
Do Paintballs Expire faster in Summer than Winter?
Yes, paintballs can expire faster in summer than in winter. This is because high temperatures can cause the paint inside the paintball to become more fluid and break down, making it more likely to break in the barrel or in the gun. On the other hand, lower temperatures in winter can cause the paint to become more brittle and harder, which can also cause the paintball to break upon impact.
But, I am suggesting to use paintballs that are within their recommended shelf life, as expired paintballs may not perform as well and may be more likely to break.
Bonus Tip: Frozen paintballs can become brittle and break apart inside the gun, causing damage to the marker and potentially causing injury to the user. The frozen paint can also damage the paintball shell, causing it to crack or break upon impact, resulting in poor accuracy and potentially injuring players.
How Long do Paintballs Last in Storage?
Paintballs can last for different periods of time depending on the storage conditions. Generally, paintballs can last for up to a year if they are stored properly. However, this can vary based on factors such as the quality of the paintballs and the storage environment. To extend the lifespan of paintballs.
Exposure to heat and humidity can cause the paint to expand or deform, making them unusable. It is also important to store the paintballs in airtight containers to prevent moisture from getting in. Before using stored paintballs, it is recommended to inspect them for any signs of damage or deformation, as this can affect their accuracy and performance. In summary, paintballs can last for up to a year if stored properly, but it is important to ensure that the storage environment is cool, dry, and airtight.
Conclusion:
Valken, Empire, and GI sportz are companies which make quality paintballs. Moreover, paintball games can have an impact on the environment, but overall, the sport is considered to be environmentally friendly. Many paintball companies have also developed environmentally friendly paints that are made from natural ingredients. Paintball games take place in designated areas, and players are encouraged to clean up after themselves and dispose of any waste properly. Additionally, paintball games can help to promote environmental awareness and conservation, as many players are passionate about protecting the natural world.
Also, I have shared enough awareness about “how long do paintballs last”, so now it is your duty to take care of precautions and refrain from using old paints for some bugs. Indeed, life is precious than anything else!
