Paintball is an exciting, fast-paced sport—but nothing ruins a good game faster than swollen, soft, or misshapen paintballs. When paintballs absorb moisture or are stored in poor conditions, they swell up and lose their accuracy, often breaking inside the barrel instead of hitting the target.
If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your paintballs in perfect condition, this guide will walk you through the best ways to store them and prevent swelling.
Why Do Paintballs Swell?
Paintballs are made of a gelatin shell filled with water-based paint. This makes them biodegradable—but also sensitive to humidity and temperature changes.
- Humidity: High moisture levels in the air can cause the gelatin shell to absorb water, making paintballs soft and swollen.
- Heat: Warm environments cause the shell to expand, warp, or even become sticky.
- Cold: Extremely cold temperatures make paintballs brittle and more likely to break on impact.
In short, paintballs react to their environment, so storing them correctly is crucial to maintaining performance and consistency.
Ideal Storage Conditions
To prevent swelling, aim to mimic factory conditions where paintballs are stored before shipping.
- Temperature: Keep paintballs between 50°F and 70°F (10°C–21°C).
- Humidity: Maintain a low humidity level (ideally under 50%).
- Light: Avoid direct sunlight—UV rays and heat can soften the shells.
- Airflow: Store them in a dry, ventilated area to prevent moisture buildup.
These simple conditions can make the difference between smooth, accurate shots and frustrating barrel breaks.
Best Ways to Store Paintballs
Here’s how to protect your paintballs from swelling, step by step:
- Keep Paintballs in Their Original Packaging
- Paintballs are often sold in sealed bags that control humidity. Don’t open them until you’re ready to use them.
- Use Airtight Containers
- Once opened, store the remaining paintballs in an airtight container or plastic storage bin. This keeps out moisture and dust.
- Add Desiccant or Silica Gel Packs
- Slip a few moisture-absorbing packs into the container to prevent humidity from affecting the paintballs.
- Rotate Paintballs Occasionally
- Over time, paintballs sitting in one position can develop flat spots. Gently roll or rotate them every couple of weeks.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures
- Never store paintballs in your car, garage, or attic, where heat and cold fluctuate dramatically.
Choosing the Right Storage Location
Where you store your paintballs matters as much as how.
- Best places: A closet, bedroom, or climate-controlled room.
- Avoid garages, basements, and sheds—they tend to trap humidity or experience temperature swings.
- For travel: Use a cooler or insulated bag to keep them stable when driving to a paintball field.
How Long Do Paintballs Last?
Paintballs aren’t designed to last forever, even under perfect storage conditions.
- Shelf Life: Usually 3 to 6 months when stored properly.
- Check Before Use: Test by gently squeezing one—it should feel firm but not rock hard.
- Discard if paintballs feel sticky or soft or have visible bulges or dents.
Pro Tips for Maintaining Quality
- Keep batches separate: Don’t mix new paintballs with old ones.
- Avoid freezing: Freezing causes cracks and leaks.
- Gently roll before play: Helps restore shape after long storage.
- Buy fresh stock: If you play often, buy smaller quantities more frequently for best results.
Conclusion:
Proper paintball storage is simple but makes a huge difference. Keep your paintballs in a cool, dry, and dark place; avoid temperature extremes; and store them in airtight containers with moisture control.
By taking a few easy steps, you’ll prevent swelling, improve your shooting accuracy, and save money by reducing waste. Treat your paintballs like any other precision gear—and they’ll perform their best every time you hit the field.
