Simple Ways to Get Rid of Leftover Paint

Most home owners will find themselves with leftover paint they have used from a variety of projects. So what can you do with all that paint besides storing it for the next decade? Here are some simple ways to get rid of leftover paint that I have used in the past.

Try these simple suggestions

1. Reuse your paint for other home projects. It is amazing how far a little extra paint will go on some of your random home items. Above, I have some examples of home projects I painted as a way to get rid of leftover paint. With this in mind, I had a little over a half gallon of white paint I was able to use to complete my projects.

2. Consolidate the paint for a larger project.  If you have several quarts of Interior paint, you can consolidate them to use for a larger project. For instance, I consolidated a few quarts of paint together to paint one accent wall for a bedroom. First, I made a mental note of colors I had on hand. Here is where to apply some color wheel principles to your color mixing.

For example, red and yellow creates orange. Blue and yellow creates green. Blue and red creates purple. Tip:If you mix a color that is too green, you add a little bit of the color that is opposite from it on the color wheel. That would be red. It is a good way to correct a color without starting over. If you want to create a lighter color paint, start with white as your base color. Then add your other colors next a little at a time.

Passing on leftover paint

3. Donate the paint. There are many places that will take your leftover paint. You can contact art clubs, school art classes, list it on Facebook market place, join a free cycle community and list it there. Even craigslist will have an ad section for free items.

4. Drop your cans off at disposal sights. Many communities will have drop off locations as a way to get rid of leftover paint. Your local Waste Management transfer station (local dump) will take it free of charge. However, they may have a limit per household. Some smaller hardware store will also take leftover paint. But, call ahead to verify.

5. Dispose of it correctly. Disposing dry paint into your trash bin is acceptable if it is thoroughly dry. The best way to dry paint is to remove the lids and set it in a sunny open area where it won’t get knocked over. Depending on the conditions, it doesn’t take long to dry.

Summary 

Applying any of these 5 ways to get rid of leftover paint is environmentally friendly for everyone.  Also, you will save money reusing or consolidating your paint for projects later. Not to mention, you save time shopping for paint you may not even like once you get it home.