Ever finish a painting project feeling super proud, only to realise you have a bunch of leftover paint chilling in the cupboard? Don’t relegate those tins to languishing in the shadows! They hold more potential than you might think. Leftover paint is your secret weapon for a budget-friendly glow-up! Hold on to the paintbrush rodeo though, this guide will dive into the awesome world of leftover paint ideas for accent walls.
What kind of leftover paint do you have?
The type and amount you have on hand will influence your design possibilities. Here’s the lowdown:
- Paint party favours: It’s your best bud for walls – water-based, easy to clean, and dries in a flash. Oil-based paints, while tough as nails, are a better fit for trim, doors, and furniture – not the best choice for your accent wall.
- Shine on: You gotta think about the “sheen,” which is just how shiny it is. Flat paint is super matte – awesome for hiding those little wall bumps. Satin or gloss, though? Those are your glam rock options, giving your wall a bit more charm.
How much leftover paint do you need for an accent wall?
Here’s how to guesstimate how much paint you’ll need:
- Tape measure time: Grab your measuring BFF. Find the height and width of your soon-to-be-epic wall.
- Square footage: Multiply the height by the width to get the total area in square feet (or metres, whatever floats your boat).
- Paint can CSI: Most paint cans are like tiny detectives, telling you how much area one can cover. Divide your wall’s square footage by the paint’s coverage info to get the estimated amount of paint you’ll need.
- Don’t be a spiller: Painting is a journey, and sometimes there are happy accidents! Factoring in an extra 10-15% paint helps cover those little oopsies and keeps your masterpiece flowing smoothly.
Can you mix different colours of leftover paint?
Leftover paint can be a total goldmine for creating a custom accent wall with unique colours. But before you unleash your inner artist and explore all the leftover paint ideas, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. No matter what colour combo you pick, always prime your accent wall before painting. This ensures a professional-looking finish and prevents issues like patchy coverage or paint peeling later on:
- Paint party foul: Don’t mix and match your paints unless they’re practically twins! Sticking to the same brand and sheen will prevent your wall from looking like a patchy mess and going for flawless, remember?
- Test tube time: Always mix a small amount of your chosen paints first. Test the concoction on a piece of cardboard or scrap material to see if you love the colour before committing to your entire wall.
- Start light, go bright: When mixing, it’s easier to add more colour than take it away. Begin by adding tiny amounts of the darker paint to the lighter one until you achieve the desired shade.
How can you use it for a perfect accent wall colour?
Don’t worry, you can still create a bold accent wall with leftover paint! Here are some tips to pick the perfect hue for your bold accent wall:
- Room reading: Take a peek at the dominant colours in your room – furniture, flooring, artwork. Do you want your accent wall to complement these colours or create a bold contrast?
- Mood magic: Colours are like magic for your walls! Reds and oranges are like a shot of espresso, perking you right up. Blues and greens are more like a calming cup of chamomile tea, perfect for chilling. Think about the mood you want for the room and pick your paint colours based on that!
- Neutral paint: Leftover neutral paints are like the little black dress of paint colours – they go with everything! A calming grey or beige can create a super chill backdrop that lets your awesome furniture and artwork be the stars of the show. Think clean gallery vibes.
- Leftover paint creativity: Be Bold! This is your chance to embrace that funky colour you’ve always secretly loved. Leftover paint ideas are your oyster! Excess paint means you can experiment without blowing the budget. So unleash your inner artist and paint your masterpiece!
What creative uses can leftover paint offer for my accent wall?
Leftover paint is a gateway to more than just stunning accent walls. While it’s a great option for painting a room, there are other creative ways to stretch your paint further and add a touch of personalised flair to your home:
- Furniture flip: Give that tired piece a makeover, transforming it from drab to fab.
- Planter power: Excess paint is the perfect pick-me-up for your terracotta pots. Paint them in a rainbow of colours to add some personality to your plant family.
- Stencil sensations: It’s a cutout that lets you paint cool patterns on your walls. Think of geometric shapes, flowers, or whatever speaks to you. Stencils add a touch of fancy to your accent wall, easy-peasy.
- Colour blocking creativity: Leftover paint is perfect for colour blocking. This technique uses contrasting colours to create a bold statement. Paint geometric shapes in different leftover colours for a modern twist on the traditional accent wall. Go wild and create a masterpiece!
Bonus! house painting on a budget
The good news is, that you probably don’t need a whole gallon of paint to create a showstopping accent wall, and that can save you a significant portion of the overall house painting cost.
Unleashing your inner artist
Leftover paint ideas got you stumped? Don’t toss it in the bin just yet! Those tins are a treasure chest of creative possibilities, just waiting to turn your boring walls into something epic. So grab those paintbrushes, ditch your inner critic, and slap some paint on the wall to create an accent wall that screams you.
Feeling a little overwhelmed by the whole DIY thing? No worries! Here at Sydney Paint Masters, are like paint whisperers – turning your leftover paint dreams into reality. Our awesome team of pros knows their stuff, from picking the perfect colour combo to making sure every brushstroke is flawless. They’ll guide you through the whole process, turning that sad wall into a total showstopper.
Contact Sydney Paintmasters today for a free quote and let’s turn your leftover paint into a masterpiece!