With Thanksgiving meals fresh in our minds, the idea of leftovers is clear and vivid! We know what to do with leftover turkey and mashed potatoes (yum!), but what about leftover paint? Can you combine partial cans of interior paint? Can you mix different types of interior house paint?
Just like that Thanksgiving dinner, some combinations work better than others. If the cranberry sauce gets onto a bite of turkey, it is bliss! However, you had better keep that gravy off the pumpkin pie! Let’s take a look at different situations where you can or cannot mix your interior house paints.
Combining Different Cans of Paint
If you have two cans of the identical type of paint, it is actually ideal to combine them. That way, when you use them, there is no variation between the areas where you apply each can.
What if you have two different colors of paint; can you mix them in that case? If they are the same type and sheen (for example, interior latex satin), the paints will combine well. However, the color that results from this will be unpredictable. Only do this if you are feeling adventurous!
On the other hand, sometimes you have different types of paint. In this case, they should not be combined, even if they are the same color. For example, you cannot mix a white ceiling paint (flat) with a white interior trim paint (semi-gloss). Likewise, do not mix latex paints with oil paints, or interior paints with exterior paints. All of these paints have specific properties for specific applications, and those specialized ingredients will not “play nicely” with different ones.
What to Do with Leftover Interior House Paint
If you have extra paint from an interior painting project, you can store it in its can for quite a long time. They key is to make sure the lid is firmly sealed on the can. In situations where the can is largely empty, you could transfer it into a smaller container, like a sour cream or yogurt can. This limits the air exposure and extends the life of the paint.
Alternatively, many non-profit organizations will take donations of leftover paint. For example, a homeless shelter might want it, or the theater department of a local school. Ask around, and you may find that your leftover interior paint is a real benefit to someone else!
Cherry Hill Painting
If you have other questions about interior painting, or any other painting topic, please contact Cherry Hill Painting. As your New Jersey painting experts, we are happy to help you in any way we can. For a free estimate for interior painting in New Jersey or Philadelphia, just give us a call. We look forward to meeting you!