Paint Smarter, Waste Less Money, Waste Less Paint

Every year in the South East we waste hundreds of euros buying excess paint. We often buy the wrong type or colour paint and we are sometimes inclined to bulk buy because we all think that “bigger is better value”.

But how many times have you gone to your shed and stumbled over the huge stacks of half empty paint cans that seem to magically multiply every year?  Or are you one of thousands in the South East who stand in your local paint shop, scratching your head with a vacant look on your face when asked “So, how much paint do you need?”  If you have answered yes to these questions you need to learn to “Paint Smarter”

Paint is a frequent but preventable type of waste presented for disposal at recycling centres across the south east.  On investigation, over purchasing seems to be a likely culprit as well as the lack of knowledge about storing leftover paint correctly.  This prompted the “Paint Smarter” campaign, a collaboration between Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow Local Authorities to devise 10 top tips on how to avoid wasting your money on paint.  The simple tips cover purchasing, using, storing paint and disposal. 

Deciding to give a room a lick of paint is a daunting task for most of us and something that we put off as long as we can. The Paint Smarter tips can have you shaping up for home improvements that would amaze Baz Ashmawy and on a budget that would impress Dermot Bannon.  One top tip for example is about calculating the amount of paint needed is easy if you use an online paint calculator, but if maths isn’t your strong point, just bring your room measurements (length by breath) to your local paint shop and they’ll gladly assist you with your purchase.  

The “Paint Smarter” campaign will not only teach you how to avoid wasting money but will also provide you with lots of tips to make the most of what you buy. Keep an eye on Kilkenny County Councils social media for great advice from Marianne the “Revamp Tramp” a renowned furniture up-cycler from Waterford who has joined forces with the “Paint Smarter” campaign.  She has plenty of top tips for anyone using paint in furniture upcycling projects to help us all to stop being a waster and learn to paint smarter.  

The “Paint Smarter” campaign is a Local Authority Prevention Programme initiative funded by the National Waste Prevention Programme, an EPA led Government of Ireland Initiative. and co-insided with Kilkenny County Council’s Virtual Waste Management Week which celebrates the achievements of the last 20 years in waste management advancements.  

Download the Paint Smarter Leaflet Here (PDF)