The Simple Solution That Turns Any Cheap Bucket Of Paint Into Something Luxury

"Oops" paints or "mistake paints" are great bargains from hardware stores and home improvement chains. There's typically a small section of them tucked in the paint section, and quarts frequently sell for a couple of bucks apiece. These paint cans are labeled mistakes because the color is a little lighter or darker than the buyer expected, not because the product is defective. In other words, these paints are a budget-friendly way to experiment with DIY paint hacks in your home. If you're interested in upcycling furniture, this money-saving trick will be especially beneficial.

Mistints are ideal for creating luxe-looking paint that's perfect for both furniture and cabinets. By adding a handful of inexpensive ingredients, you can make smooth, strong paint that resists scratches, stains, and other signs of wear. This hack can yield substantial money savings, considering that a quart of specialty paint for furniture and cabinets often costs $35 or more at the store. It also helps keep mistints out of landfills, which benefits the environment.

Your three main ingredients for turning "oops" paint into high-end furniture paint are a polyurethane sealant such as Minwax Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish, a paint extender like Flood Floetrol Clear Latex Paint Additive, and water. A clean container for mixing your paint, a stir stick, measuring cups, and a few large plastic syringes — for example, a 3-pack of HiMo 60 ml Syringes — will also come in handy. The process for upgrading your paint is simple and takes just a few minutes.

To make nearly a pint and a half of furniture paint that doesn't require a topcoat, mix 16 ounces of paint with 4 ounces of polyurethane, 2 ounces of water, and 1 ounce of paint extender. Minimize mess by blending the polyurethane, water, and paint extender, and then using a syringe to add your paint. Most syringes come with measurement marks, preventing you from needing to pour paint into a measuring cup. When your ingredients are thoroughly blended, you're ready to paint. There's no need to seal your furniture after painting since you've mixed sealant into your paint.

This recipe is easy to tailor to a variety of needs. For example, you can combine two or more shades of paint to create a new hue and then stir in the other ingredients. If your original paint has a flat or eggshell finish, you can boost its shine by choosing satin or gloss polyurethane. High-sheen finishes like these are ideal for cabinets and furniture because they help them stand out and improve their durability. If you select a shiny finish, be aware that it could highlight any blemishes on your surface. To prevent this on wooden pieces, you may need to sand furniture before painting it. You might also need to strip off old paint or stain and patch holes with wood filler such as Wadities Paintable Wood Repair Putty. Paying attention to details like these can help you create tables and chairs that beautify your home for years.

There are so many ways you could use your gorgeous and durable new paint. Consider jumping on a vintage, painted furniture trend that's making a stylish comeback: painting intricate designs on wooden headboards, armoires, benches, and more. This style was popular in the '70s, when it often emphasized floral designs. If flowers aren't your cup of tea, update the look with designs that feature shapes, calligraphy, or a different nature scene — perhaps a majestic mountain range or songbirds perched on tree branches. 

Your new and improved paint can upgrade nearly any wooden surface inside your home, including closet doors and trim surrounding doors and windows. You can also use it to paint boring-looking panels covering your plumbing pipes. If you're painting a bathroom, choose a satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finish for your new paint. All three are easy to clean and resist moisture. 

This paint is even a tool for turning upcycling into a side hustle. It can help you successfully flip thrifted furniture by making low-cost items look like a million bucks. If you're new to transforming old furnishings like these, consider starting with a small piece and researching of-the-moment furniture styles. Enhancing your thrifted find with a trending style or color can help you sell it for the best possible price.