So you’ve just finished painting your room, and you’re admiring those fresh, flawless walls. But as you tidy up, you realize… you’ve got a fair bit of paint left over. Now what?

First off, high five for taking on a painting project — it’s one of the most impactful (and affordable) ways to transform your space! If you used a paint calculator, chances are you got pretty close to the right amount. But even with the best estimates, a little leftover paint is common — and instead of letting it sit forgotten in the basement, you can give it new life through creative upcycling.

Start Smart: Calculating Paint to Prevent Extra

Before we dive into the fun stuff, here’s a quick tip for next time: Calculating paint is your best friend when it comes to figuring out how much paint you actually need, helping you avoid overspending and overbuying.

How to Calculate How Much Paint is Needed

The average bedroom requires 1 gallon (3.70 litres) of wall paint. A one-gallon (3.70 litre) can of wall paint covers about 375 – 400 square feet (35 to 37 square meters). Calculate one room at a time and determine if you need 1 or 2 coats.

• One (1) coat of premium paint will cover most surfaces when you are painting over a similar colour.

• Two (2) coats may be required for major colour changes, painting over damaged or old surfaces or if you desire greater durability and coverage.

Here's a simple formula to determine how much paint you need based on the surfaces you're painting:

Total surface area/coverage per can = amount required

EXAMPLE:

Let's say the dimensions of the room you're painting are 12’ x 14’ with 8’ ceilings (3.65m x 4.26m x 2.4m). Calculate the total surface area of the walls by multiplying the width by the height for each wall and adding them together.

2 x (12 x 8) + 2 x (14 x 8) = 416 sq ft.

or

2 x (3.65 x 2.4) + 2 x (4.26 x 2.4) = 38.6 sq metre

But let’s say you do have some extra paint. No worries — that just means more chances to get creative.

Turn Leftovers Into a Feature Wall

Got a pale or mid-tone colour left over? One simple but stunning trick is to buy a Colour Tester of a darker version of that same hue. Gradually mix the tester with your leftover paint and voilà — you’ve got a coordinated feature wall that adds depth and drama to your space. This works beautifully in bedrooms, living areas, or behind shelving units where you want a subtle contrast that still ties in with the room’s overall vibe. 

Above photo:  0579 Turkish Tower with 0585 Oyster Catch

Above photo:  0138 Coconut Macaroon with 0142 Ranch House

Try Paint Pouring for Instant Art

If you’ve ever watched a paint pouring video, you know how mesmerizing it can be — and the good news is, it’s not just for acrylic artists. You can use leftover latex interior wall paint to create gorgeous, abstract art for your walls. 

Use the pour technique onto canvas, wood panels, or even old cabinet doors you’ve repurposed. Layer two or three coordinating colours, let gravity do its thing, and you’ve achieved custom art that perfectly matches your space. Seal it with a clear topcoat, and hang it with pride.

Revive Thrift Finds & Home Accents

Leftover paint is a DIYer’s dream. A small amount can go a long way when it comes to freshening up thrifted treasures and forgotten household items:

• Plant pots – Give terracotta pots or cement containers a stylish matte makeover.
• Stools and side tables – Add colour-blocking or paint just the legs for a dipped look.
• Picture frames – Make a gallery wall pop with painted frames in tones that complement your interior.
• Drawer interiors or cabinet backs – Add a pop of colour where guests least expect it.

Leftover Paint can be Eco-Friendly and Budget-Friendly

Using up your leftover paint isn’t just fun — it’s also sustainable. You’re keeping paint out of the landfill, reducing waste, and avoiding the need to buy more products down the line.

And let’s be honest: it feels pretty great to say, “Oh, that? I made it myself.”

Final Tip: Storing Leftover Paint Right

If you still have paint leftover after your mini-makeovers, store it properly for future touch-ups:

• Transfer to a small, airtight container (like a mason jar).
• Label the jar with the colour name & code, paint finish, and the room the paint was used in.
• Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or freezing temperatures.

How to Recycle Your Leftover Paint

If you're not planning any projects with your leftover paint, recycling it is a responsible and environmentally friendly choice. In Canada, Product Care Recycling offers a comprehensive program to ensure unused paint is managed safely and sustainably. Product Care Recycling

Product Care Recycling provides over 200 drop-off locations across British Columbia where you can dispose of your leftover paint free of charge. To ensure a smooth recycling process:

• Original Containers: Paint must be in its original container with the label intact and securely sealed.
• No Mixing: Do not combine different types of paint products. Mixed paints cannot be accepted.
• Quantity Limits: You can bring up to 10 containers of paint or 50 spray cans at a time, with each container no larger than 25 litres and each aerosol can no larger than 680g (24oz).

To find your nearest drop-off location, use Product Care's Recycling Locator.

What Happens to Recycled Paint?

Once collected, the paint undergoes a meticulous recycling process:

1. Collection and Transportation: Paint is transported to authorized processing facilities.
2. Sorting and Inspection: At the facility, paint is sorted by type (latex, oil-based, aerosol) and inspected for contamination.
3. Processing: High-quality paint is filtered and reprocessed into new paint products. Lower-quality paint may be used in applications like cement manufacturing, ensuring minimal waste.

By recycling paint, valuable resources are conserved, and environmental pollution is reduced.

PaintShare Program: Give Paint a Second Life

If your leftover paint is still in good condition, consider donating it through Product Care's PaintShare program. This initiative allows individuals to drop off unused paint, which is then made available for free to others who can use it. It's an excellent way to promote reuse and support community projects.

Benefits of Recycling Paint

Proper paint disposal offers several advantages:

• Environmental Protection: Prevents harmful chemicals from contaminating soil and waterways.
• Resource Conservation: Allows materials to be reused or repurposed, reducing the need for new raw materials.
• Community Support: Programs like PaintShare provide affordable resources for community initiatives and individuals.

By choosing to recycle your leftover paint, you contribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable community. When you visit your closest Cloverdale Paint store, our staff can help you provide a better estimate on how much paint you need based on other factors like surface type, colour choice, budget, and more.