MyPaintballNation

How Long Do Paintballs Last and How to Store Them Properly

Are you concerned about how to store the paintballs because you think they might burst or weaken easily? Or are you interested in knowing the life expectancy of the paintballs? No worries, you are not the only one facing this issue or wondering about it; almost every paintball player, from beginners up to advanced players, is wondering about the same issues. 

In the beginning, I was also wondering about this issue. Still, fortunately, I started researching it and came up with many possible solutions that I will share with you.

How Long Do Paintballs Last

Having met many paintballers and asked them about the shelf life of the paint, I found that the answers were not the same.

Also Read: How Long Does a Paintball Game Last?

As a rule of thumb, paintballs usually have a lifespan of three to six months, but if they are stored properly, they can be kept for up to a year or more. It is important to keep in mind that there are several different types of paintballs on the market, and each one has a different shelf life than the last. 

Because of variations in things such as the ones mentioned below:

  • Item ingredients
  • Thickness and hardness of the shell
  • Stability in the paint.

Is there anything else you would like to know? So I won’t waste your time talking in circles, so let’s get right into the topic.

Is it possible for paintballs to expire?

As you have started your car and will buy a new box of paintballs but haven’t bought one yet because you’re wondering if you buy too much, will they expire if you buy too many? As a result of this, you are faced with the dilemma of whether to purchase more or less. In addition to that, it is also the most important question most newbies ask when it comes to paintball. There is no doubt that paintballs do expire at some point, but it is dependent on the materials used and the companies involved. 

Usually, while buying paintballs, you can save money by buying cheap quality paintballs. However, these balls will degrade within a few months, and sometimes they can last as long as six to seven months. Although, over the years, I have seen people play with years old paintballs and inquired how this could be possible. The answer I received was that I had bought expensive paintballs. 

Keep in mind, though, that high-quality paintballs also have a lifespan to them, so it does not matter if you buy expensive paintballs and they will last forever; that’s not what I mean here. I believe that high-quality paintballs last longer than cheap ones. 

So, In general, this is purely a personal choice, and the information I mentioned is based on my own experience.

What to Look for in Bad Paintballs?

Do you have any knowledge about paintball gears? My knowledge of new players is that they are only interested in enjoying the game, but they are completely unaware of what is good and bad about it. It is important to note that not all paintballs are created equal, so let me tell you how to identify which types of paintballs are not suitable for which type of use.

The following are common signs of a failed paintball.

  • Spots of weakness.
  • Dimples.
  • Shaped like an oval.
  • Solid as a rock.
  • Older than a year
  • Removed from bag
  • Affected by severe weather conditions.
  • Keeps unpacked for an extended period. 

If your paintballs have one of the issues listed above, then that means that the paintballs are defective.

Nevertheless, there is one more method for determining whether paintballs are good or not, and that method is the Drop Test.

When you drop a paintball from the elbow level of a person, and if it cracks on the first or second drop, it will work. Therefore, it would be very clear to you how to find its weaknesses. Most importantly, you can perform the drop test wherever you are without assistance from any professional. Make sure that you only follow the instructions I explained earlier.

Sustainability in Paintball Storage:

Would you like to enhance the longevity of your paintballs? In this article, I will tell you how to do this. I will tell you first what the materials used to make the paintballs are. Gelatin and glycerin are the two main ingredients of the paintball shell; after being exposed to different weather conditions, these two materials can undergo many changes, including degradation over time. 

What can extreme weather do? It is a question that may come into your mind at some point in your life. Hot and humid weather can cause the paintballs’ shells to soften, changing their size or shape due to absorbing water. Additionally, paintballs that have been stored in the cold for a long period will become harder and might crack if they are dropped. 

Fortunately, many paintball manufacturers are making paintballs to suit the different weather conditions, with winter paintballs having thicker shells to resist the weather. 

For paintballs to be effective, the following conditions need to be met:

  • 60° – 85°F temperature range
  • Maximum humidity between 40% and 50% 
  • Keep in an enclosed package.
  • No UV exposure.
  • Avoid direct sunlight if possible.

As of now, everything should be clear for you; follow the above guidelines, and I hope you will not make any excuses for not informing me. I can’t figure out why paintballers keep their paintballs in their closets, under the bed, or anywhere else at all. 

The store where you store the paintballs should follow the above pointers; then, you will be able to store them in a safe place for a long time and remain fresh.

I conclude:

Finally, we have reached the end of the article explaining, How Long Do Paintballs Last and How to Store Them Correctly? I have explained to you above that the problem is straightforward and the solution, but you must adhere to the guidelines I have provided. You may need to read the article again if it is still unclear.

On the whole, I hope that my words are simple enough so that you can easily understand what they mean.