The bathroom cabinets have been painted black, the kitchen cabinets are in clary sage, and the living room is now a soft pink paradise. While the colors are stunning, you now find yourself with three leftover cans of paint. Fortunately, this is a good thing. Don’t let that extra paint go to waste! Instead, put it to good use in creative home projects on a budget. We’ve gathered tips from paint and home experts on how to repurpose leftover paint for fun and functional projects around your home.
Before diving into a new DIY project, make sure to reserve some paint for touch-ups. Behr Ambassador and Interior Designer, Cara Newhart, advises storing leftover paint in a cool, dry place for future touch-ups on past projects or spaces.
Once you’ve set aside enough for touch-ups, explore these clever ways to use leftover paint:
1. **Donate It:** Consider donating excess paint to community art spaces, resale shops, or organizations like Habitat for Humanity. If you have only a small amount left, check if your state has a paint take-back program for proper disposal.
2. **Update Architectural Details:** Extend the color scheme beyond walls by using leftover paint on trims, doors, or even ceilings. This can visually expand the size of a room and add a unique touch.
3. **Gussy Up A Mailbox:** Give your mailbox a fresh coat of paint using leftover spray paint to revitalize its appearance.
4. **Picture Frames:** Transform old picture frames with a splash of leftover paint to create eye-catching accents for displaying photos or artwork.
5. **Hit The Books:** Add a pop of color to bookshelves by painting the back wall of shelves to draw attention to neglected areas.
6. **Change The Texture:** Experiment with adding mix-ins like baking soda or Plaster of Paris to leftover paint to create textured finishes for various projects.
Don’t let those leftover cans of paint gather dust in the garage—get creative and make the most of them in your home!
Transform thrifted glass vases or lamp bases into faux pottery masterpieces by utilizing texture paint for a unique finish. According to Kendra Sinclair, Thumbtack Home Design Trends Expert, adding a pop of color to ceilings can make a significant impact on a space. This can be achieved by using bold and vibrant colors to liven up the room. Similarly, Ryan Parr, Owner of Nashville Painting Professionals, suggests repurposing leftover exterior paint for small outdoor projects such as enhancing planters, rejuvenating an outdoor bench, or revamping garden décor. By doing so, you can effortlessly refresh your outdoor space with coordinated colors, giving it a cohesive and polished look.
When it comes to utilizing excess paint, painting the staircase is a practical and creative solution. Ryan Fitzgerald of Raleigh Realty recommends painting the risers of the staircase with a striking color to give the entire structure a unique and eye-catching appearance. This simple yet effective technique can transform a plain and functional staircase into a memorable feature within your home. Additionally, refreshing old furniture with leftover paint is a sustainable way to upcycle thrifted pieces or breathe new life into existing furniture items. Whether it’s a barstool, picture frame, or lamp base, a fresh coat of paint can instantly update and revitalize the piece.
Kim suggests incorporating color into your organization by painting wooden, metal, or plastic organizer trays, bins, or boxes with leftover paint. This can help create a cohesive look in spaces such as offices, pantries, or closets, giving them a personalized touch. For unexpected yet impactful transformations, consider using leftover paint to enhance a fireplace. According to Fitzgerald, applying a simple color to the mantel or surrounding area can elevate the fireplace from a neutral element to a defining feature in the room, altering the overall ambiance of the space.
For a distinctive and creative touch, Malak Bellajdel, an Interior Design Magazine Top Designer, recommends color-blocking door edges to add personality and character to a room. By painting the inner edge of a door with a contrasting color, you can introduce an unexpected pop of color that showcases your unique style and attention to detail. These small yet thoughtful design choices can elevate your space and create a cohesive and intentional design aesthetic throughout your home.
In conclusion, repurposing leftover paint for various home improvement projects presents a sustainable and cost-effective way to refresh and update your living space. Whether it’s transforming thrifted items, adding color to ceilings, revamping outdoor spaces, painting staircases, refreshing furniture, organizing with paint, enhancing fireplaces, or color-blocking door edges, there are numerous creative possibilities to explore. By thinking outside the box and utilizing excess paint in innovative ways, you can transform your home and create a personalized and visually appealing environment that reflects your unique style and personality.
