DIY ideas for leftover paint

By Emma Lucey 28 March 2024

Leftover paint cans gathering dust and cluttering your storage space? Breathe new life into your home by using up those last bits of paint on some creative projects. Here are some DIY ideas to inspire you to make the most out of your surplus paint.

1. Upcycle second-hand furniture

At Planet Ark, we’re big fans of finding second-hand gems in op shops or online marketplaces. Admittedly, some of us are handier than others, but we still think it’s never too late to try your hand at upcycling! Upcycling not only saves furniture from landfill, but it also allows you to have incredible one-of-a-kind pieces in your home. With a fresh coat of paint, an old worn-out piece could become a statement in your home. Check out some of our upcycling tutorial videos to get started.

2. Refresh old furniture with a new look

Instead of splurging on new furniture, consider your existing pieces for a makeover. Whether you prefer a sleek monochrome finish or bold patterns, the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget to sand and prime surfaces for a long-lasting finish.

3. Touch up any worn items or surfaces

Inspect your home for scuffed baseboards, chipped door frames, or scratched cabinets and find where a little TLC is needed most. Keep your space looking fresh (without breaking the bank) by doing little touch-ups where needed.

4. Create a ‘feature’ wall or focus point in a room

A bold splash of colour can not only add drama or comfort to a space, but it can also express your personality and enhance your connection to home. Think outside the box when it comes to focus points. Ceiling painting isn’t just for the Sistine Chapel! Last year, interior design trends saw a rise in popularity of painted ceilings. Be sure to cover the rest of the room to protect from any drips.

5. When uses for last bits of paint run dry, drop it off at Paintback

Paint’s first and best use is to be painted with. If you’ve exhausted all your other options, the best way to manage unwanted paint or paint packaging is to find a drop-off location near you and Paintback will do the rest! Find your nearest location via our Paint page.

We hope some of these ideas have inspired you to put that leftover paint to good use. Get creative or ask your friends if they need any paint for their projects – and make sure to divert any unwanted paint or paint packaging from landfill by dropping off at your nearest Paintback location. Happy painting!