Blog Layout

What to Do with Leftover Paint

Sam Lutz • October 23, 2018
What to Do with Leftover Paint
They’re a staple in many garages and basements—old cans of paint with labels so faded you can’t even read them. No one wants to throw out perfectly good paint, but no one ever seems to know what to do with these old cans.  

Donate Your Leftover Paint

Instead of collecting dust on a rickety lawn shed shelf, give your leftover paint to someone who actually needs it. Many organizations and charities accept paint donations, especially those that build or remodel homes such as Habitat for Humanity. You can also try calling around to local schools, community centers or churches to see if they could use it.
Another route is to check out local resale shops that take paint. A lot of upcycling or salvage stores will often take used paint cans. Whatever you decide, you can rest easy knowing the paint won’t be taking up room in your garage and is getting used by someone who really needs it.

Upcycle or Repurpose Your Paint

Just because the intended project is done, it doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to use your leftover paint. If you have lighter colors, these can be mixed together to create a DIY primer for your next paint job. You can also use leftover paint to add a pop of color to old furniture, window frames, or other accents. Finally, if you’re feeling really creative, you can buy some canvas and make your very own works of art that will definitely go with your walls!
If you are planning to repurpose your paint, always store it in the original can with its proper label. A piece of plastic wrap or cellophane over the top of the can will keep it from drying out. Always make sure your paint is stored properly and safely—away from children, pets and open flames.

Dispose of Paint the Proper Way

When there are no more reasons to hang onto leftover paint, make sure you dispose of it the right way. If you’re leaving paint for curbside pick-up, keep in mind that some paints can be hazardous to people, plants and the environment. Allow your paint to harden before taking it out. You can speed up this process by adding some kitty litter to the paint, or by purchasing paint hardener.
If you don’t feel comfortable putting it out for pickup, try calling an organization that specializes in removing paint or a disposal center. They’ll take care of preparing the paint for you.

Start and Finish Your Next Project with Ace Paints

Ready for some new paint? We’ve got you covered. Browse our extensive inventory online or come to our store.
Wooden kitchen table | Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture Pittsburgh
By Chris Vendilli March 20, 2020
There are all kinds of wooden furniture: modern, antique and everything in between. We’ve talked about style differences, but what about how it’s made and what it’s made of? Is there a large difference between the wood furniture of today and yesterday?
By Chris Vendilli March 16, 2020
Colors are so fascinating. They make us feel, they help us express how we feel. The right colors can really set the mood in a room, or on an outfit. There’s a lot to color theory and what each of the colors mean. This St. Patrick’s Day we thought it’d be fun to explore a little about green.
By Chris Vendilli February 24, 2020
One of the wonderful things about good wood furniture is that it doesn’t have to be merely functional. It can be beautiful as well. We’ve seen some amazing pieces made with wood stains that are more than just furniture, they’re works of art. So if you’ve got an old table, desk or other piece of wood furniture that needs jazzed up, why don’t you consider using some of our great stains to try one of these ideas.
By Sam Lutz February 7, 2020
What's your furniture style? Here’s a few of the more popular styles and the kind of look they give your home.
By Sam Lutz January 27, 2020
Wood is our most basic raw material used for creating furniture. Wood furniture is timeless, and the aesthetic options are endless. Let’s talk about a few today, shall we?
Restyle Your Home for the New Year | Ace Paints
By Sam Lutz January 13, 2020
The 2010s saw an uptick in modern interiors, bringing in clean lines to decor and furniture, so what does the new decade have in store? Restyle your home for the new year with the latest trends.
By Sam Lutz December 30, 2019
Are they bright and bold? Wild and wacky? It’s a thrill for our industry to learn what the latest “in” colors will be each year, and they never disappoint. The color trends for 2020 include shades of green, blue and pink, and each have an inherent welcoming quality.
water rings on coffee table
By Sam Lutz December 16, 2019
Holiday parties are part of the magic of the season, but the cleanup is a pain—especially when furniture is involved. Prevent disasters with a few tips on how to protect your furniture during holiday parties.
What Do Holiday Colors Mean | Ace Paints
By Sam Lutz December 2, 2019
The holiday season has arrived, and soon every corner will be decked out in red and green. But have you ever stopped to think about what holiday colors mean?
Remove Wood Stain from Furniture | Ace Paints
By Sam Lutz November 18, 2019
Restaining an old piece of furniture with a new varnish color can go a long way, but first you need to remove the old stain color.
More Posts
Share by: