PaintCare provides tips to help in every step of the painting process. Figure out how much paint to buy, help your paint last longer in storage, find ideas for using up or giving away leftover paint, and learn where to take paint to be recycled.
Many people have leftover paint because it’s not always easy to plan how much paint to purchase in the first place. When estimating how much paint you need, there are several variables to take into account. We recommend measuring the space you plan to paint, bringing your measurements to the paint store, and asking the staff for expert advice on how much paint to buy. Learn the questions you should consider to help you buy right.
While an unopened can of paint could last for decades if it is stored properly, unsealed cans may not keep as long. Whether you plan to use leftovers for touchups or a future project, or even if you think you will get rid of your leftover paint later, follow these tips to keep your paint in good condition so someone else can use it or recycle it.
Using up what you have is a great way to reduce leftover paint. A gallon or more can be used as a primer for other paint projects. Less than a gallon can be used to paint a small room or experiment with an accent wall. A quart is perfect for updating a window frame or two, creating coordinated picture frames, or brightening up the inside of a bookshelf. Use a pint to personalize a tray, color a glass vase, or update a table lamp. Cheer up a birdhouse, coordinate doorknobs, or stencil a tote bag with a sample size of paint.
PaintCare makes recycling your leftover paint easy. In PaintCare states, we’ve set up convenient locations where you can take unwanted paint, stain, varnish, and other accepted products for reuse or recycling.
Find a drop-off site near you by using the PaintCare site locator.
