7 Projects That Put Pesky Sample Paint Pots to Good Use
Find a creative use for that stash of sample pots and you'll reclaim some valuable storage space at the same time
So you’ve sampled the paint colour with a smallish patch on the wall, but now what to do with the rest of the 250 millilitre or 500 millilitre pot? Stash it away with the other sample pots of course, and let them gather dust! Well, the life of these pots doesn’t have to end there. You can put them to good use with these seven make-you-smile craft ideas that can all be achieved with a small amount of paint and an even smaller amount of effort.
Look around for furniture that would benefit from a lick of paint; this is an easy way to change its look and feel in an instant. For example, the dash of pink on this desk adds an energetic touch to the otherwise neutral corner.
Revamp old drawers with paint
Revamp old drawers with paint
2. Paint a pattern
A sample pot isn’t going to cover an entire piece of furniture, but it will be enough for a surface pattern, such as the chevron design above. Use decorator’s tape to mark out your design and be sure that your sample pot or pots will go the distance.
A sample pot isn’t going to cover an entire piece of furniture, but it will be enough for a surface pattern, such as the chevron design above. Use decorator’s tape to mark out your design and be sure that your sample pot or pots will go the distance.
3. Paint the stairs
What a genius idea for using up random paint colours. This easy-to-implement decorating idea is sure to add a playful edge to your hallway, while doing your bit for environment by not sending any paints to landfill. Just be sure to work out your colour combinations on paper first.
What a genius idea for using up random paint colours. This easy-to-implement decorating idea is sure to add a playful edge to your hallway, while doing your bit for environment by not sending any paints to landfill. Just be sure to work out your colour combinations on paper first.
Another way of using up colours that you no longer like is to donate the pots to the kids and let them experiment with them. Or, go a step further and contact local schools in your area to see if they’d like to use them in the art department.
See more spaces designed for art lovers
See more spaces designed for art lovers
4. Paint a pot
Have you recently discovered the perfect front door colour? Then continue this loving feeling by using the sample paint to jazz up neighbouring flower pots. If the sample pot won’t cover an entire vessel, experiment with asymmetrical designs that will still make an impact.
Have you recently discovered the perfect front door colour? Then continue this loving feeling by using the sample paint to jazz up neighbouring flower pots. If the sample pot won’t cover an entire vessel, experiment with asymmetrical designs that will still make an impact.
5. Paint your chair legs
Add interest to your dining chairs by adding socks in a process called ‘dipping’. This works particularly well with Thonet-style chairs, as seen here. Simply tape the top of where you want the paint to reach to, then dip the bottom of each leg into the sample pot.
Add interest to your dining chairs by adding socks in a process called ‘dipping’. This works particularly well with Thonet-style chairs, as seen here. Simply tape the top of where you want the paint to reach to, then dip the bottom of each leg into the sample pot.
6. Paint some shelves
Transform plain shelves by painting the back wall of the unit. This adds a backdrop for your treasures, and works particularly well if you pick a bold, contrasting colour that allows your collectables to pop out.
17 smashing shelving suggestions
Transform plain shelves by painting the back wall of the unit. This adds a backdrop for your treasures, and works particularly well if you pick a bold, contrasting colour that allows your collectables to pop out.
17 smashing shelving suggestions
7. Paint a frame
Adapt a traditional frame with a vibrant, contemporary colour and you’ll have an intriguing mix of old and new styles. Try combining various styles and sizes of frames in different primary colours to create a striking display that will pack a powerful design punch.
Tell us
How have you used up those old sample pots? Share pics of your nifty project in the Comments.
Adapt a traditional frame with a vibrant, contemporary colour and you’ll have an intriguing mix of old and new styles. Try combining various styles and sizes of frames in different primary colours to create a striking display that will pack a powerful design punch.
Tell us
How have you used up those old sample pots? Share pics of your nifty project in the Comments.
Create a cute wall display with a collection of old drawers. Choose a cheerful paint colour that will add to their whimsical appeal and only paint the edges so you can make the sample pot last over two or more drawers. Then, line the base of the drawers with wrapping paper or a wallpaper sample for added charm.