Thrifty Tips: Using Up Paint Samples
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When redecorating, it’s fairly common to buy a few paint samples to try out different colours and figure out which ones you like best. However, if you’ve sampled lots of colours you may be left with a fair few pots of paint. Most of us only paint a small area to sample the colour, so often there is a fair bit of paint left. This post is full of ideas of what you can do to use up leftover paint samples.
Choosing the right colour when redecorating can be tricky. Although if you aren’t happy once the painting is done it’s fairly easy to change, it’s a huge waste of time, money and energy. Most people buy a few sample pots to get an idea of how a colour will look before they commit.
However, if you’re anything like me it can be easy to go wild in the sample paint aisle. We are currently in the process of redecorating our hallway and I recently popped into Wilkos to choose some paint samples. I came away with five, and that was only because they didn’t have two of the colours I wanted!
Thrifty Tips: Using Up Paint Samples
We paint a small amount of each on the hallway wall and narrow it down one by one until we had a favourite both my husband and I agreed on. Which means I am now left with five little pots of paint that I would like to get used up.
Returning Paint Samples
If you’ve got a bit carried away and got home to realise you’ve bought some colours that you’re actually not too keen on if they are unopened and you have the receipt, you should be able to return to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Paint Window Frames
There is usually enough paint in a sample pot to jazz up a window frame. Whether it’s in the same room or another room it’s a great way to get your paint samples used up.
Paint Photo Frames
Another simple use of paint samples is to use them to paint photo frames. You may have some old frames that need freshening up or you may want to add a spark of colour to a room that’s a neutral colour. Either way, it’s a simple way to upcycle something and make sure it’s reused in your home rather than thrown away.
Upcycle Furniture
If you’re planning on upcycling a piece of furniture, using paint samples is a great way to keep things thrifty. Even if you need to buy another mini pot of paint, it will likely still work out much cheaper than buying a big pot of paint to start with.
Give Them Away
Rather than just throw them away if you none of the above options are for you, you could try giving them away. I have a friend who is moving house soon, and we have fairly similar taste in home decor so I’m going to ask her if she’d like to try them for any of her rooms that she plans to redecorate.
You could also try giving them away – it’s always worth popping up a post on your personal Facebook page or Facebook marketplace. Or if you know someone who’s very into their arts, crafts and upcycling they may very willingly take them off your hands.
Frog Tape Wall
If you want to get really creative, Frog tape walls are a perfect way to use up small amounts of different colour paints.
Green frog tape (or masking tape if you’d prefer) is used to create geometric patterns on the wall. The individual shapes created are then individually painted in three or four matching or complementary colours.
Create A Mural
This is one that my own artistic talents certainly do not stretch too, but if you do have an artistic side you could create a mural with any leftover paint samples. I think these work especially well in children’s bedrooms and really help create a lovely themed nursery.
