Clever ways to use up leftover paint: Tips from Masterstroke by Resene

07 Jun 2023

Leftover paint tins taking up space in your shed? Don’t be tempted to throw them away. Masterstroke by Resene is here to help you freshen up your home and property, making use of what would otherwise be gathering dust will give you much-needed space in your shed and reduce landfill too. 

How to store leftover paint 

“Good quality paint can last years if stored correctly,” says Resene paint expert Jay Sharples. Ensure lids are on firmly when packing them away to make sure the paint inside doesn’t dry out, and store paint tins off concrete floors if you can as they tend to rust more quickly if they get wet.

If you’re unsure about whether your paint is still good to use, you can take it into your local Resene ColorShop and ask one of the expert staff to check it.

“The bonus there being, if the paint is no good, you’re in the best place to get some fresh paint,” says Jay. “If you store paint on shelving, make sure there are no sharp objects on the shelf before putting the paint down. It sounds obvious but you’d be surprised at how many people bring pails of paint back into the shop with punctured holes in the bottom!”

Get creative with your leftover paint  

Jay says there are many clever ways to use up leftover paint – freshening up existing paintwork, giving your home a creative colour injection with feature walls and adding flair to surrounds and furniture. But it’s important however to check your leftover paint is suitable for your next DIY project. 

Interior paint should only be used inside, and exterior paint is best used outdoors. Check out these clever ideas for those tins of paint taking up space in your shed. 

• Is your kitchen or laundry looking a little dated? Existing timber cabinetry can be given an instant makeover using leftover paint. Don’t be afraid of adding colour – a fresh and bold paint job can make a kitchen or laundry feel refreshed and updated without the cost of new cabinets.
• Think outdoor jobs. Leftover paint can be used for repainting the garage door or giving the old shed a freshen-up. Consider painting the inside of shed doors and shelving inside for a burst of colour, too. 

• With a little creativity, you can use leftover paint to turn around any room in your home. If you have a lot of white, creams or beige in your living areas, consider a feature wall – either in a bold or bright colour, or a deep hue. Features walls add interest and energy to a room without being overwhelming.
• Fireplaces look great painted in an accent colour. Depending on how much paint you have to hand, you can either paint the entire fireplace or concentrate just on the mantel.
• Don’t forget those testpots gathering dust, too. They are great for using to touch up scuffed paint areas or smaller jobs like doors and window frames. Or use them to create a DIY artwork that will complement your colour palette.
• Spruce up your exterior by refreshing shutters and trims. Doors and entranceways benefit hugely from a makeover, and are the perfect area for that leftover paint. First impressions count, and a home can be instantly upgraded by fresh paintwork at the entranceway. Verandas and porches are some of the hardest working areas, so consider repainting these every few years with your leftover exterior paint, too.
• No space is more neglected than the insides of wardrobes and cupboards. Even small amounts of paint can make a big difference to scuffed walls inside those forgotten areas. Painting the insides of drawers can add some fun and creativity, too. 
• Take a look at your bookshelves – could they do with some love? Adding colour to shelving is a clever way of livening up a room. Light colours will brighten up a room, whereas a dark backdrop behind the shelves can make your books and treasures stand out. 
• There are endless ideas for ways to upcycle old furniture with paint, the most common being tables and chairs. Remember, furniture doesn’t need to be monochromatic. If your tired wooden chairs need a boost, paint select sections – such as the bottoms of the legs or top of the back – in an eye catching accent colour.
• If you still have leftover tins, remember these can be returned to your local Resene ColorShop where it will be recycled through the Resene PaintWise programme. In Australia, use the Paintback service. Donating your paint to the community is another great way to make a difference. From schools to local libraries, your extra paint can make a positive impact. Make sure you donate the paint while it is still in good condition so that it can be easily used for another project.

Got some leftover Resene Enamacryl lying around? Use it to freshen up your windowsills – this one was painted in Resene Alabaster.

Make an entrance! Exterior door painted with Resene Lustacryl in Resene Flourish.

Garden shed painted with Resene Lustacryl in Resene Soft Apple (walls) and Resene Lumbersider in Resene Woodstock (window frame).

About MasterStroke by Resene

MasterStroke by Resene is here to help you master your paint and decorating DIY projects. Brush up on your skills with advice, tips and ideas from our trusted experts. Check out the latest how to advice and videos at www.masterstrokebyresene.com. 

Published: 07 Jun 2023