How To Score Free Paint For Your Next Project.
It’s an ongoing joke in our house that I will always repaint something I’ve already painted. Our front door has been painted three times, and honestly, I do want to repaint it again. That’s for another day, as I have plenty of other house projects I’m working on.
For small projects or crafts where I can be more flexible on color, I love scoping out the free paint at our local Recycling and Transfer Station.
While it may vary from city to city, you should have a local place to drop off unused paint and cleaning supplies. You never want to just throw these away or dump paint or cleaning supplies down the drain, so it’s important to understand how to properly dispose of them. The good news is that instead of just disposing of them at the station, they tend to have a place where these items can find a second home and get used up. Perfect for all of us DIYers and crafters.
Not only can you find free paint and stains, you can score some free cleaning supplies too. Anytime my family can save money is a win, so we visit often.
The available colors of paint you will find will vary, but I can tell you, you will see a lot of neutrals. Every time we have gone lately, it’s been a sea of grey paint. When I get lucky, though, I find pops of color. Blueish-greens have been popular, so I grabbed those up and have used them for my front closet and more recently, to update a step stool.
I have quite a collection of paint in my basement, ready for whatever project is next. Last year, I painted an Elsa castle out of cardboard with a baby blue that I can only guess was left over from a nursery. It was perfect for our daughter’s birthday party. This year she hasn’t decided on a theme, but I’m ready.
Tips for scoring free paint
Search for your local recycling station that allows the disposal of paints and stains.
Visit often for a variety of paint colors.
Be prepared for mostly neutrals, nursery colors, and the current trends.
Be aware of the station’s policies. Many have a limit per customer, per day.
If you find a color you love, you can always buy more by bringing a sample for your local paint store to color match.
Dispose of your leftover paint properly by bringing it back to the station.
