Repurpose Leftover Paint

Extra paint cans sit in solitude in most garages. Typically, paint goes bad after some time in the can. Don’t waste your extra paint, here are some ways to repurpose leftover paint into quick painting projects around your house.

Leftover paint is a good reason to tackle a new project. The paint will go bad, so why not use it to create something new. Need different colors, exchange leftovers with friends or neighbors. Bring your brush and creativity and try one of these quick paint projects.

1. Store It

We know, we’re avoiding the stacks of cans around the house. If you decide to store the paint, make sure you do it right so it will remain good for longer. Air in a can is the enemy. Moving your paint to the smallest container possible cuts down the air in the storage. Mason jars are a perfect alternative. They are airtight and you can see the color through the glass. Mark the top with the color, date, and other information you might need.

2. Primer

When you go to paint the wall again, you can use the paint as the primer for the project. If the color is the same, and you’re just looking to freshen it, use the old paint as your primer and start the coats afterward.

Pro Tip: You can use light or white colors as primer for light paint and dark colors to prime for darker tones.

3. Pop of Color

Use leftover paint to create an interesting pop of color. Take a brighter color to an accent wall or piece of furniture. Get really creative and paint a retreat inside your closet with a bright color that is unexpected when you open the door. DIY-ers have had really great success using leftover paint on the back panel of their bookcases. How about a bright island as the focal point in your kitchen? The possibilities are endless.

4. Paint A Canvas

Take your brush to canvas instead of a wall. Get some canvas and use your leftovers to create a unique piece of art that perfectly ties into your room’s color scheme. Try for a lifescape or go abstract. It will use up your paint and give you something beautiful to hang in your home.

5. Create a Chalkboard

Did you know that any leftover latex paint can be made into chalkboard paint? Give your kids an interactive wall, or create a grocery list on a panel of your kitchen cabinet. To make the chalkboard paint, mix the following:

• 1/2 cup acrylic paint
• 1 tablespoon unsanded grout
• mixing cup
• spoon
• paint brush
• surface to paint

Still want a few more ideas:

• Dip chair legs.
• Paint the inside of a door.
• Use it on a window frame.
• Make your bathroom pipes pop.
• Stencil the floor.