|
|
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 stencilling.
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 unuseable paint to
safely dispose of.
Back to RePaint Home page
|