Can You Ship Paint Through USPS? Rules, Packaging, and Costs Explained

December 7, 2025 Austin Jones USPS Shipping Restrictions

Introduction: Can You Ship Paint Through USPS?

Thinking of sending a can of paint to a client or buying a rare color from an online seller, you probably asked, can you ship paint through USPS? Short answer, sometimes. USPS allows certain paints but imposes strict rules for flammable solvents, aerosols, and large quantities. Ignore those rules and your package can be refused or destroyed.

This guide walks you through everything you need to ship paint safely and legally. You will learn which types of paint are allowed, how to package wet cans for leak prevention, labeling requirements, when you must complete hazmat paperwork, and realistic cost ranges for ground and priority mail. I will also show quick alternatives, such as shipping water based paint, using specialized carriers, or sending paint chips instead. Read on, and by the end you will know exactly whether your paint shipment can go through USPS and how to make it compliant.

USPS Rules at a Glance

If you searched can you ship paint through USPS, here is the short, practical answer: it depends on the paint type and whether it is a hazardous material under federal rules. USPS follows Hazardous Materials Regulations, so flammable, combustible, aerosol, or solvent‑based paints are generally refused. Water‑based latex paints, which are not flammable, are often accepted for domestic mail when properly sealed and packaged.

Quick checklist to decide if USPS will accept your paint
Identify the paint, read the Safety Data Sheet, look for flammability or VOC warnings.
If it is oil‑based, contains solvents, or is aerosol spray paint, do not expect USPS to accept it.
For water‑based or nonhazardous paint, package to prevent leaks, use inner containment, and bring it to the counter for inspection.

Concrete tip, real world: a tightly sealed one‑quart can of water‑based primer may be accepted at a post office, but a can mixed with thinner will be refused. When in doubt, call your local post office or use a dedicated freight carrier that accepts hazardous materials.

What Paints You Can and Cannot Ship

Short answer, yes and no. Water based paints, like latex and acrylic, are typically allowed through USPS, because they are nonflammable once dried and contain low levels of volatile solvents. Pack them tightly, put absorbent material inside the can, and double box to prevent leaks.

Oil based paints, enamels, lacquers, shellacs, and other solvent based coatings are usually restricted or prohibited, because they contain flammable solvents. That also applies to repaint thinners and mineral spirits. Aerosol cans and spray paint are almost always prohibited for mail, due to pressurization and flammability.

Before you ask "can you ship paint through USPS" check the product safety data sheet, label the contents, and confirm with your local post office. If the paint is solvent based or aerosol, use a hazmat approved courier or a freight service that handles flammable liquids.

Hazmat Classification and Required Paperwork

Start with the Safety Data Sheet. If the SDS lists a UN number, Hazard Class 3, or words like flammable or combustible, the paint is treated as hazardous. Example, oil based paint and most spray paints are UN1263, Class 3, so they are not acceptable for USPS surface or air transport.

Quick checklist to follow

  1. Read the SDS for UN number and hazard class. If it shows flammable liquid, stop and do not try to ship via USPS.
  2. If the SDS shows nonflammable water based latex, you can often ship through USPS, but follow packaging rules, spill containment, and allowed quantity limits.
  3. For hazardous paint you must use a hazmat carrier. That carrier will require a proper Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods or DOT shipping papers, UN number markings, hazard labels, emergency contact info, and possibly placards for large loads.

When in doubt, call the carrier and reference the SDS before answering can you ship paint through usps.

Step-by-step Packaging Guide

If you’re asking can you ship paint through USPS, start by confirming the paint is mailable, then follow this step by step checklist.

  1. Verify legality first. Check the product label and the Safety Data Sheet, if available, for words like flammable, combustible, or hazardous. If it’s oil based or solvent heavy, do not try to ship it via USPS, contact a hazardous materials carrier instead.

  2. Use the original, intact container. Manufacturer metal cans or sealed plastic pails are best. Avoid leaking, rusted, or damaged lids. Tighten the lid, then press a sheet of plastic wrap over the opening before re seating the lid for a second barrier.

  3. Seal the lid. Run heavy duty packing tape around the lid seam, and tape across the top to prevent accidental opening. Do not rely on glue or masking tape.

  4. Add secondary containment. Place the sealed can in a thick plastic bag, squeeze out excess air, and tie or tape it shut. Use a bag that will hold a quart or gallon with room to spare.

  5. Choose the right box. Use a strong, double wall corrugated box, with at least 2 inches of clearance on all sides. Never ship paint in a box that fits tightly.

  6. Cushion and absorb. Surround the can with 2 inches of foam, bubble wrap, or crumpled paper, plus an absorbent like kitty litter or vermiculite in case of leaks.

  7. Secure and label. Fill voids to prevent movement, tape the box shut with filament or heavy duty tape, and add a clear label such as "Liquid Paint, Handle Upright" and the correct shipping paperwork if required.

  8. Final check. Shake the box gently to ensure no rattles, recheck sealing, and confirm the paint meets USPS rules before taking it in.

Choosing the Right USPS Service and Estimating Costs

If you’re wondering can you ship paint through USPS, start by matching service to weight, size, and urgency. For small, nonhazardous cans, Priority Mail gives speed, tracking, and often the best balance of price and protection. For bulky but not urgent shipments, Retail Ground can be cheaper. Use Flat Rate boxes when the item is heavy but fits the box, it often beats weight based pricing. Remember USPS maximum weight is 70 pounds, and dimensional weight rules apply for large, light packages, so always measure length, width, height and weigh the packed parcel. Estimate costs with the USPS price calculator or Click N Ship, and lower costs by using the smallest sturdy box, removing excess filler, and comparing Flat Rate versus zone pricing.

Common Mistakes, Practical Tips, and Troubleshooting

When people ask "can you ship paint through USPS", the same mistakes keep causing delays or fines. Common errors: sending flammable oil based paint, using damaged or unsealed cans, skipping an absorbent layer to catch leaks, and failing to declare hazardous materials with the correct labels and paperwork. Practical fixes: confirm paint is nonflammable water based before you pack it, ship in original factory sealed metal cans, add absorbent material equal to the liquid volume, and place the can inside a sturdy corrugated box with at least 2 inches of padding all around. If a package is refused or returned, take photos, contact your local post office for the refusal reason, reclaim or safely dispose of leaked paint at a hazardous waste facility, then repackage with compliant labeling before reshipping.

Conclusion and Quick Shipping Checklist

Short answer to "can you ship paint through USPS" is sometimes, but only when the paint meets USPS hazardous materials rules, is properly sealed, and you follow labeling and packaging requirements. If your paint is flammable, aerosol, or contains regulated solvents, do not use USPS; choose a hazmat freight carrier or local pickup instead. For everyday latex or fully cured samples, USPS may be an option when you confirm with the Safety Data Sheet and a clerk.

Quick decision guide

  1. Is the paint flammable or aerosol? If yes, do not use USPS.
  2. Is the container original, tightly sealed, and undamaged? If no, do not use USPS.
  3. Does the SDS list it as nonregulated for ground transport? If yes, proceed.
  4. Can you absorb leaks with packing material and double bag the can? If yes, that reduces risk.

Printable quick checklist before shipping paint

  1. Verify SDS and USPS rules for your paint.
  2. Confirm service accepts the item.
  3. Inspect and seal container, cap with tape.
  4. Pad with absorbent material, double box.
  5. Label contents accurately, declare value.
  6. Buy insurance and take shipment photos.