Why create a problem now (pouring the stain out of the can) to solve a potential future problem of pouring stain from the can. No point in giving a chance for air to enter the can until you are ready to use it.

If it is a water based stain in a metal can, then it may store better in a non-rusting container. Otherwise, I would leave it in the original cans.

 

I know unopened, minwax say 5 year shelf life, but opened it can be as short has 1 year. My thought is it could be once you break the seal the container is no longer air tight so my thought was mason jars. Also I remember seeing my grandpa having a bunch of mason jars with his stains in it, but he would make his own.

 

Okay, you paid $2 per stain. If you use a little and ruin the rest, you ain't out that much! Maybe a buck and a half.

 

wait, HD dropped minwax? When did that happen? I usually get better stuff from the mom and pop, so I haven't noticed, but Minwax seemed to be the only stain HD sold. A quick google search tells that Lowe's partnered with Sherwin-Williams (makes minwax). So logically HD dropped it because they're competitors. Seems they've replaced it with Varathane. Oh well, I'll keep getting the good stuff at the mom and pop.

Anyways….looks like there are several cheap products out there to vacuum seal standard mason jars. That might be an avenue for you to explore. Although I'm thinking translucent containers aren't helping the cause here. Is there a way to vacuum seal paint cans?

 

Dont pour the stain. I use stamped SS measuring cups and spoons with the handle bent to ladle stains and finishes out of the can. I use small mason jars to store custom mixed stain and dye colors, but leave mw stains in the can until used. Leave them unopened until you use them - unlikley they will completely evaporate in 10 yrs. Just add ms to thin out. Use bloxygen or other (I use propane) to blow into open containers to displace O2 before resealing). Not perfect but a definite improvement