How to Use Paint Wisely
Nothing brightens up our surroundings or improves our environment like a fresh coat of paint. But almost a quarter of the paint we buy is never used.
If disposed of incorrectly, left over paint can pollute our landfills, sewers and streams and wastes the earths resources. So, follow the tips below on buying, choosing, using and disposing of paint - stop paint going to waste!
Buy Only What You Need
-
Ask your paint retailer to help you estimate how much paint you will need, based on the size of the room, number of doors and windows, and the number of coats you'll need to apply. Or try this free online paint calculator - just pop in the dimensions of the room and it gives you the amount of paint required in gallons and litres – brilliant! This will save you money and reduce any leftover paint.
-
Check out the Dulux site for tips on painting and making the best use of paint.
-
Don't be tempted by special offers, buy only what you need!
-
Buy a tester pot first rather than buy a large pot of the wrong paint.
Think of the Environment
-
Use water based paints (emulsion) whenever possible. These are are less harmful to the environment, have less toxic fumes and don't require solvents to clean brushes.
-
If you do use white spirits don't throw it away. Allow it to stand and the sediment will fall to the bottom. You can then pour off the clean spirit and reuse it.
-
Do not pour paint or white spirit down the drain as the chemicals they contain can contaminate water supplies.
-
If you are going to use your brush or roller again with the same colour, wipe off excess paint and wrap it in cling film or a carrier bag. This avoids the need to wash it and will prevent the paint drying out.
Use up all your Paint
-
If you only have a small amount of paint left, apply another coat to an area which could use extra protection.
-
Newly leftover paint can be used for small jobs and projects such as stenciling.
-
Beware of old paints (including lead based) which are often stored incorrectly and may be unsuitable for reuse.
-
You can blend and mix smaller quantitites of emulsion to use on non critical jobs or as primer on larger jobs.
Store Paint correctly
-
Make sure you have an air tight seal to keep the paint fresh until you're ready to use it again; clean the rim of the can and stretch cling film over the opening, replace the lid securely.
-
Alternatively pour 3mm of solvent on top of oil-based paint, or 3mm of water on top of emulsion to seal the surface, then secure the lid.
-
Always use a secure cupboard and keep out of the reach of children.
-
Proper storage is critical as paint is sensitive to heat and cold, store between 3oC and 25oC and keep out of direct sunlight. Paint cannot be reused if it has been frozen.
Donate or exchange your old paint
-
If you can't use your leftover paint and are unable to store it, donate it to your local RePaint scheme or direct to community or theatre groups, schools, churches or others who may need or want it. Paint will only keep for a few years.
Dispose of Paint Properly but only as a last resort
-
Empty and dry metal paint cans can be recycled with scrap metal at most Civic Amenity and Recycling Centres. Some sites also have facilities to recycle empty plastic containers.
-
If your paint has gone completely hard you can dispose of it in your household rubbish. Leave the lid off so the refuse collection crews can see they are empty.
-
Contact your local council if you have unusable paint to safely dispose of.
