Stop throwing away extra paint.
Once you’ve decided on a winning color, however, don’t throw away those leftover pots.
Paint Stair Risers
Gather samples in a variety of hues to give your staircase a rainbow makeover.
Credit: Jay Wilde
To ensure good adhesion, sand and wipe down the surfaces before painting.
Make a DIY Chalkboard
3.
Create Geometric Artwork
Grab some painter’s tape and a plaincanvas to create modern artwith sample paint.
Credit: Helen Norman
A spare sheet of plywood or a wood canvas also works.
Start by applying lines of tape at angles across the canvas to form geometric shapes.
To ensure clean lines, wrap the tape around the sides.
Credit: Adam Albright
Working one section at a time, fill in the shapes with complementary paint colors.
If needed, apply a second coat, and remove the tape as the paint dries.
This color-blocking technique works especially well in an empty corner or directly above a piece of furniture.
Credit: Michael Garland
Use a contrasting shade that will stand out vividly against the base wall color.
Decorate Plant Pots
This quick DIY project is a great way to use leftover sample paints.
Dip your brush in andpaint over inexpensive terra-cotta plant pots.
Credit: Greg Scheidemann
Use a variety of coordinating hues for a colorful update to your houseplant collection.
Create a Message Board
Make this grayscale ombre message board with corkboard panels.
Lay 12 panels out, sides touching, on a protected surface in the arrangement you’ll ultimately hang.
Credit: Adam Albright
Use adry-brush techniqueto paint across the panels.
Continue dragging paint until you’ve achieve the look you want.
Paint Dresser Drawers
Add pops of color to a dresser or desk with sample paint in a bright shade.
Credit: Adam Albright
Prime, let dry, then apply two coats of paint.
For protection, apply a coat of clear wax or matte varnish.
Allow the paint to cure for a few days before reinstalling the drawers.
Credit: Adam Albright
Spruce Up Plain Baskets
Use paint to add stripes and polka dots to small wicker baskets or other accessories.
Use the accents to match other colors in the room, for instance, on the walls or furniture.
Update a Bookshelf
Dress up plain white bookshelveswith a quick color makeover.
Credit: Adam Albright
Once the primer dries.
apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying another.
For extra protection, finish with a coat of clear wax or matte varnish.
Credit: Adam Albright
Stamp and Stencil a Rug
Add a painted pattern to an ordinary cotton rug.
We placed our stencil in the center and at each corner of the rug.
Use a two-inch stencil brush to lightly fill in the shape.
Credit: Adam Albright
Dip the brush into the paint, wipe off any excess, and dab it on the rug.
After painting, remove the tape and allow several days of drying before using.
Update Curtain Panels
Tie a room together with leftover samplepaint applied to plain curtain panels.
Credit: Adam Albright
Begin by ironing the curtains and laying them out on a work surface covered in kraft paper.
This paint treatment will hold up to a gentle wash with a mild detergent.
Hang the panel to air-dry.
Credit: Adam Albright
Embellish Glass Vases
Add subtle style to plain glassware, like these simple vases.
Allow the paint to dry and cure a few days before using.
How to Buy Sample Paint Pots
Most paint manufacturers sell color samples.
For the best results, deploy sample paint only on properly prepped or absorbent surfaces.
Avoid using these paints on high-traffic, moist, or outdoor projects.
Check your favorite paint sources for their sample programs.
