Whenever you complete a painting project, there is a good chance you’ll have some paint left over that is too good to throw away but not enough for another full room. Well, instead of letting those tins collect dust in the garage, there are plenty of practical ways you can put them to good use.
From simple home improvements to creative DIY projects, leftover paint can be a great way to save you money and reduce your carbon footprint. Here are 7 tips you can employ to make the most of what you have left.
1. Check Whether Your Leftover Paint Is Still Usable
The first thing you should do is check whether the contents of the tin are still usable. Especially if it’s been a while since you used it last.
Some people notice a thin skin across the top of the surface when they first remove the lid and assume that means it has gone off. However, this is often not the case. Instead, carefully lift it away and then give the remaining paint a thorough stir. If it returns to a smooth, even texture, then it’s usually fine to use.
That said, there are a few warning signs that may indicate the paint has reached the end of its life. These include:
- A sour or unpleasant smell
- Mould growing inside the tin
- Thick lumps that won’t mix back together
- Paint that has hardened completely
- Permanent separation after stirring
You should be aware that water-based paints generally don’t last as long once opened as oil-based paints. Although both can remain usable for years if they are stored correctly.
If your paint has gone bad, it is recommended that you do not tip it down the sink or place it into your household rubbish, as it can damage internal piping and is considered a hazardous material for landfill. Instead, consider correct methods for paint tin disposal like dropping them off with reliable rubbish removalists.
2. Seal Paint Tins Properly After Every Project
One of the easiest ways to extend the lifespan of any leftover paint you have is to keep air out of the tin. Therefore, after you’ve finished painting, make sure you wipe any excess paint from around the rim before replacing the lid. If there is any paint left around the edge, it can stop the lid from sealing properly, which, in turn, allows air to enter it.
A neat hack you might want to adopt is to turn sealed paint tins upside down for a few seconds before storing them. This creates an additional seal between the paint and the lid, therefore reducing the chance of air getting inside.
3. Store Paint in the Right Place
Where you store your paint has just as big an impact as how long it actually lasts.
Generally speaking, paint performs best when it is kept somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight. If it is exposed to large swings in temperature, it can affect its consistency, which then makes it difficult to use later.
Placing leftover paint in a storage cupboard, laundry cabinet or sheltered garage often works well. However, you’ll want to make sure the temperatures remain fairly stable throughout the year.
Ideally, you should avoid leaving paint in places that become extremely hot during summer or where frost may occur during winter. Additionally, if you have children or pets, you should always store paint safely out of reach.
4. Label Every Tin Before Putting It Away
If it’s been a while since you painted your rooms, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to forget which colour belongs to which one. That is why it is a good idea to label your leftover paint to save yourself from having to do plenty of guesswork later.
Some useful information to put on the tins includes:
- Which room it was used in
- What wall, ceiling or trim it went on
- The specific paint colour
- Whether the finish was matte, satin or gloss
- The date you completed the project
You might even consider leaving a small painted sample on the lid, as this might make it easier to identify the colour without opening the tin. If you forget to label a tin, here’s how to perfectly match your wall paint colour.
5. Save It for Future Touch-Ups
One of the smartest reasons to keep leftover paint is for any home maintenance products you’ll most likely need to do at some point down the line.
Invariably, walls collect marks over time, furniture gets bumped, and children leave fingerprints. Moreover, hanging pictures or shelves often exposes unpainted areas.
Having the original paint on hand will allow you to touch up these small imperfections without repainting an entire room. This works particularly well if the paint has been stored properly and still matches the existing finish.
6. Refresh Old Furniture Instead of Replacing It
Using leftover paint can completely change the look of tired furniture without having to spend a fortune.
For instance, a bedside table, bookshelf, or set of dining chairs can look almost new if you give them a fresh coat of paint. Similarly, smaller projects are ideal because they rarely require a full tin. Hence, they are perfect for using up paint that would otherwise sit unused.
Some popular furniture projects include:
- Bedside tables
- Coffee tables
- Bookshelves
- Timber stools
- Cabinets
- Shelving
- Toy boxes
Before painting, it is advisable to clean the surface thoroughly and then lightly sand glossy finishes where needed. It is worth taking a little extra time to do this because it often produces a smoother, longer-lasting result.
7. Get Creative With Small DIY Projects
Something you should remember is that you don’t need a major renovation to use leftover paint. In fact, small DIY projects can be an enjoyable way to brighten your home while reducing waste. Even as little as a cup of paint can go a long way when you’re working on decorative items.
Some simple ideas to consider are:
- Plant pots
- Picture frames
- Letterboxes
- Garden benches
- Timber crates
- Coat hooks
- Decorative signs
- Birdhouses
- Outdoor planters
If you have children, leftover paint can also be useful for arts-and-crafts projects, so long as you supervise them. Additionally, timber shapes, canvases and homemade decorations are all inexpensive activities that make good use of small amounts of paint.
