13 Clever Ways To Repurpose Leftover Paint Instead Of It Rotting In The Garage

You've decided on the best kitchen paint color to go with your quartz countertops, and you absolutely love how it turned out. Ecstatic, you close up the can and walk into your garage to store the rest of the paint color for another project, for another day. As you make your way to the shelves at the back, you realize there's about a dozen cans from previous home projects, just sitting there wasting away. And while paint can last a good, long while — for some latex paint, it can be stored for up to 10 years before it goes bad — there will come a time when the odor and texture will make you realize it's far gone, and sadly wasted.

Throwing out paint is such a shame, especially since there are so many uses you can repurpose that paint for, like decorating pot plants and vases. So instead of adding "recycling bad paint" as another to do on your list of house projects, utilize one of these old paint hacks instead. You'll use up that paint before it goes bad, and in most cases, you'll have a new, unexpected, and whimsical décor element in your home!

You can add an eye-catching design element to your house by repurposing some of that old paint for the risers of your staircase. Oftentimes, the white space between the steps can get a bit boring, so you can jazz it up with a splash of color. Make your design even more cohesive by utilizing any of the same paint you already have in the living areas of the house. The matching colors will make your space flow. Or, if you're feeling whimsical, try ombre steps!

Got a plain old rug that you're tired of? Upcycle it with some old paint! First, vacuum the rug thoroughly and wash it if you're not in a hurry. Let it dry, and then set the rug on top of another rug or sheet, in case the paint bleeds through. Layer a stencil over it, and then prep the paint by thinning it with some water. Once the paint is thin enough, use a brush and dap the paint onto the stencil. Then viola — a new upcycled rug!

Who says you can't repurpose the paint you used on your walls on a canvas? Even if you're not particularly artistic, you can still have fun repurposing house paint doing this creative crafting project. Try your hand at a geometric picture by taping out shapes like triangles, squares, and rectangles in whatever configuration you like on a canvas, and paint away. Or, alternatively, apply colors in varying strokes and different colors for an interesting abstract piece. At the end of your painting session, you'll have a work of art, and perhaps even a new hobby!

Transform any plain, old terracotta pots with some of that languishing paint into distinctive planters that are pleasing to the eye, both inside and outdoors. For the more creatively challenged, stick to painting the entire pot the same color for a nice, clean look. However, if you're more creatively inclined, take advantage of several different colors to paint on a charming design, like florals or stripes. Since the pot is curved, using a stencil may be tougher on this one, but don't be afraid to have fun and freehand it.

Even if you want to leave your dressers more classically basic, it doesn't mean you can't have fun with it. Using leftover paint to design the sides of your dresser drawers is a fun way to add a hidden touch of color or pattern that brightens up an old or classic piece, but doesn't overwhelm the dressers altogether. Use a stencil for this one if you want to get a more uniform design or paint the entire sides for a fully saturated look. Who knows, maybe this will inspire you to repaint the whole thing!

Repurposing the rest of your wall paint to enhance some picture frames is an easy way to instantly elevate your space. Assemble a collection of frames that fit your design aesthetic, then paint them the same color as your wall. For a fully monochromatic look, don't fill the frames with any photos or pieces of art, but instead let the painted frame itself be the art piece. Either way — with or without additional art inside the frames — this DIY makes your room look incredibly chic.

If you want to tie in your room accents with the color of the walls, then use your old paint to add a colorful touch to some of your existing décor. Baskets, a staple in any textural home, can easily benefit from a little pop of your living room wall's color, connecting the different design elements in your house. Add a small stripe for a more restrained approach, or fully embrace the color and add bigger swatches to the basket for a bold look.

No need to purchase a special chalkboard paint for an in-home message board. Instead, create a mixture of dark leftover paint and a non-sanded grout. This simulates the texture and look of chalkboard paint for your wall without having to add another can of specialized paint to your collection. Overall, chalkboard message walls are a useful and interesting design element to create for your home. And if you ever get tired of it, there are many easy ways to paint over a chalkboard wall too.

If there's a glass vase in your house that you're hoping to give a new life, this is your chance! Use up some of your leftover paint and upcycle an old vase by painting the exterior of the it. Small designs here are key if you ever want to try to clean the paint off the vase in the future, but if you know that this is the end of the line for that piece, then go ahead and paint big and bold to transform it anew.

If you have any outdoor iron features, you've likely seen some rust build up on it, but with some leftover paint from that previous DIY, you can make that outdoor piece look new again. Oil-based paints help prevent rusting on surfaces, so peruse that pile of paint cans to find the perfect match. To paint over existing rust, use an oil-based primer under the paint as well. Be sure to paint while it's warm outside since oil-based paints take longer to dry.

Latex paint, the most common paint used for interior house projects, is generally safe to use. With lower volatile organic compounds and less chemical additives, you can use this paint for a fun kid's project, as long as it's used properly. With that said, reuse and repurpose any leftover paint from those house projects for children's crafts that require a sturdier sort of paint, like birdhouses or other outdoor décor. A craft, like a bird house, is also an excellent way of using up several different colors, too.

Cork absorbs paint fairly well, so you can upcycle and enhance a boring, brown cork board using your leftover house paint to transform it into a creative display or message board. You can either paint patterns on the board, go for a monochromatic design, or even a geometric look. Whatever your tastes, the cork will definitely stand out more now than before. As an added bonus, you can paint matching pins for the board too, pulling the look altogether.

While you may be familiar with the idea of an accent wall (and perhaps that's why you have those stray cans of paint in your garage in the first place), a painted headboard is another spot you can use some of those leftover colors. Rather than commit to an entire wall, a painted headboard helps highlight the bed or can even accent an existing headboard. This can either be a chic pop of color added to your bedroom, or a fun, low-commitment way to add fun colors into your children's rooms.