We’re back with our weekly basement update and since we’re edging closer towards the best word ever (finished!) this week’s project is quick and easy. It actually has to do with that built-in cabinet (to the right of the Ikea workstation) that we painted white last week. Remember it was bare but we promised we had a storage idea in the queue for you guys? Well, here it is…
Yup, those are matching paint cans. And yes, we’re ok with you calling us nerds. We’ve actually been meaning to move our paint from the garage to the basement for a while. It’s a lot more temperate thanks to its underground location (it stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter) and because paint can freeze, dry out, and otherwise “spoil” when it gets too hot or cold, the basement is definitely a smarter place for it. Before moving it to the garage, we used to store our paint in the house until we read an article about how paint cans can off-gas and pollute your indoor air (so a lesser used basement or garage is a better choice).
And although we could easily have brought all of our old mismatched and gunked-up cans straight into the basement and called it a day, we just love the organized look of our “new” basement so much that we suddenly even hold paint storage to a higher standard and yearned for a more cohesive and effective solution. Not only do new cans look good, they create a tighter seal on our paint to help it last longer (which is always better than “casualty cans” sadly lost each year due to dried out paint- what a waste!). And for a few bucks a pop, new cans would be great “insurance” to keep all of our $25+ paint in ready-to-use condition.
Lucky for us, True Value sells these awesome empty paint cans (in both gallon and quart sizes) that we decided would be prefect for unifying everything for that newly spruced open shelf in the basement and keeping our paint nice and fresh for years to come. Remember how awesome True Value has been to us by giving us a spot on their DIY Blog Squad and offering us a generous gift card? Yeah, we kind of love them.
But seriously, how cool are those empty paint cans? Industrial-chic at it’s finest, no? Plus the act of transferring our paint allowed us to go through all of our old gallons and quarts to eliminate colors that we no longer need (like the old green color that we first used in the living room or the yellow paint that was on our front door) and you know we love to pare down, organize, and donate things that we’re no longer using (giving paint a second life is like two makeovers for the price of one!). Note: never toss old paint out with your regular garbage, either bring it to your local recycling center and drop it in the paint section or donate it to places like The Habitat For Humanity ReStore.
Of course before we grabbed our empty gallons and quarts we counted how many of each we’d need (and snagged a few extras for future additions). Then John’s inner “account guy” came out and he suggested that we head over to Office Max and buy some printable labels so we could transfer the name, brand, finish, and paint formula to each of the new cans (so we’d never have to worry about getting more whipped up if our supply ever dwindles). Sure it seemed a little obsessive (ok, a lot obsessive) but printing the labels only took about 15 minutes and they seriously make my little organization-loving heart skip a beat whenever I see them. Even John’s man heart swells with pride over his paint label making skillz.
Plus John even took a cue from the paint pros and left a little thumb print of each color on each label (you can never be too careful when it comes to guarding those paint formulas). The result: mouth-wateringly delicious open storage that keeps up with the rest of our basement while keeping our paint fresher thanks to a tighter seal that isn’t all gunked up with years of paint between the lip of the can and the lid. Gotta love a little “paint maintenance” to keep from having to trek out and rebuy paint all the time (nothing’s more annoying than needing a tiny bit of paint for a touch up and finding the entire can dried out which calls for the purchase of an entirely new one).
So what’s next on the basement agenda? Well, we still have to obscure our no-privacy windows and build a DIY screen to cover that eyesore of a water heater. Stay tuned for those details next week (in what will be the final chapter of our basement makeover!). Then it’s on to a big bathroom reno that has us laying awake in bed talking about tile options (and subsequently dreaming about said tile options). Do any of you have a big project that you’ll be taking on before the holidays? Maybe because people will be coming over and you want to spruce up the place or even because you know you’ll be traveling so leaving refinished floors to dry or going kitchenless for a bit while your new cabinets are ordered won’t be so bad? Do tell.
Update: One of our lovely readers chimed in with a solution to keep our new cans looking new and sealing securely for years to come. We plan to pick up a “latch on pour spout” which attaches to the lip of a gallon or quart and helps you pour paint without getting any around the lip of the can for a pristine look and a tight seal every time. Amazing!
Psst- Want to look back on our big basement makeover from start to almost-finished? Here’s the first post, the second post, the third post, the forth post, the fifth post and the sixth post. Ah memories.
The Tiny Homestead says
Hey Youngsters, while you’re at it with paint organization pick up a latch on pour spout from your paint store. It attaches to the lip of a gallon or quart can an helps you pour *without* getting any paint all over the can. I tell you it will change your life and keep your new cans looking that way.
Bethney says
I love it! I hate the way mismatched, gunky, paint cans look in our garage. It has always bothered me but I thought I was crazy and really couldn’t do anything about it. Thanks for the inspiration, I will definitely be doing this with my own paint.
Jessie P. says
Great job, guys! It looks awesome! So inspirational!
Everyone is obviously not going to think the same on issues; and that’s ok, too! You keep your wardrobe sparse, while others buy “needless” items to junk up their closet! I am convinced you would have done this to stay organized and polished no matter where the money was coming from! Good job!
Erin says
Hey yhl! I love the idea of organized paint cans…they look so cute! Printing out the labels, while might be a little compulsive, I totally get it, and adore it!
I started repainting the trim in our house from honey stained oak to pure white. (I’ve dubbed it ‘operation honey to white’- very clever I know)…My goal was to have the bulk of it done before everyone came for Thanksgiving. Mission accomplished!
Not only did I get the trim completed throughout the house, I repainted the family room, kitchen, half bath and laundry room. In the next few months I’ll be tackling the guest bedroom and office. Eek!
Head over to muh blog (www.erinteriors.blogspot.com)…I just posted the ‘afters’ of the half bath :)
e
Mariel says
DID YOU GUYS SEE??
there’s a post about this post on apartment therapy today! woohoo!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahooo! Thanks Mariel! We’ve heard it’s there we just haven’t had a chance to head over and check it out yet (too busy getting the second post of the day ready to go). But now that it’s up we’ll head over right now…
xo,
s
Lori says
I’ve often heard the tip to keep a little paint of each color in a baby food jar for small touch-ups. I found a way to do that one better; I put a little paint from each room in glue jar with a brush (I get them at Discount School Supply).
They’re meant for kids to use them for glue or paint; they have a little brush in the lid so it’s super easy to use them to touch up scratches and nicks on a wall. (I’m a perfectionist like you guys).
I’d link to them here but I don’t know if your comments can handle html and the link is really long :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Lori,
Wow, that’s seriously genius. Thanks so much for the tip!
xo,
s
Abbie says
We just bought our first house and are repainting the entire interior! (Not to mention the existing paint is all dark and yucky, we’re using TONS of primer!) The latch-on pour spout is about to change my life as well :)
Thanks TTH and YHL!
Amanda G says
I love love love love this idea! My husband and I were just discussing doing this the other day. We have so many different paint colors in our home and so many gallon containers with just a small amount of paint left in it. We live in a 1950’s bungalow so storage space is a premium. What a perfect way to consolidate all the leftovers and have them looking beautiful! I was quite surprised by a comment earlier that they don’t touch up their paint! I can’t keep myself from doing it. We are constantly whipping out the good old leftovers and touching up any small nicks or worn areas. It keeps things fresh all the time! Thanks for an awesome post from one organizational freak to another :)
Allie says
It looks awesome! Love it!
My husband and I have started organizing the storage side of our basement too (inspired by you guys!). First thing we did…put up a shelf unit to bring all the paint in from the garage! We also did the purge and label (admittedly with a sharpie though and not your swanky labels ; ) Unfortunately, the storage side of our basement is not quite as aesthetically pleasing as yours, but we decided we just had to organize as best we could with wire shelving before diving into the pretty-fying. And as for your question about projects to take on before the holidays…I desperately want to do a makeover on our totally 80’s wallpapered powder room, especially since we’re hosting a family Christmas gathering this year. I just haven’t worked up the guts to broach the subject with the husband (he has nightmares about wallpaper removal from previous experiences). Wish me luck!
Lynn says
Hi there,
Love the re-do! I am inspired beyond words to tackle my basement! What are your plans for the windows??
Question: Where did you get the chairs by the desk?? I love them.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Lynn,
We plan to use frosting film on the windows so stay tuned for those details. As for the chairs by the desk, they’re actually the two leftover chairs from our Target dining set (we brought in a storage ottoman for bench seating just to keep things interesting so that freed up these two chairs which we’re happy to store in the basement). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Kat says
Didn’t you lose alot of paint during the transfer to new cans? As in, all the paint in a can can’t possibly all come out unless you scraped it with a spatula?!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kat,
Good question! And actually not very much paint was lost in the can switch (maybe about a centimeter on the bottom of each can after we held it over so as many drops as possible would be transferred) but it was well worth ensuring that the rest of the paint would be tightly sealed and usable for years to come (as opposed to leaving it all in the old cans with gunked up bad seals to dry out and be rendered completely useless). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Sara Giguere says
way to go!! you graced apartment therapy’s website today :)
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/workspace/pretty-paint-cans-out-on-display-103029
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the heads up Sara! We’re super surprised too- and thrilled!
xo,
s
Vic says
Oh… I’m sort of in love with this! Paint cans are taking over my apartment, and they are SO UGLY! Only problem is I think my roommate might really think I have some “issues” if I were to suggest coordinating new paint cans. Oh well! I love this idea… and your labels are great too!
Kim says
Hi guys! Love your site and just wanted to add another tip to your painting subject: I take my brushes (and roller if space allows) wrap them in a left over plastic grocery bag and stick them in the freezer whenever I have to put my painting on hold for a while. Whenever I am ready to begin painting again, I either let them thaw out for a bit, or hold them under a little hot water, shake off the excess water, and get back to painting. :)
Keep up the good work with your blog–I check you guys out practically every day!!
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip Kim! We love frozen brushes almost as much as frozen ice pops! Thanks so much for sharing.
xo,
s
Patti says
what a cool idea … you have me thinking of the many ways i can use those little paint cans in our basement :)
Tiffany S. says
WOW – You have totally outdone yourselves (and maybe set the bar for compulsive organization. Martha Stewart – you’re a slacker!).
Those brand spanking new paint cans also make great containers for Christmas cookies to bring or send to friends and family! Just tie a paint key to the handle with festive Xmas ribbon!
Lynn says
Thanks! Thats a great idea for the windows! I wonder if the frosting film would look OK with my bathroom windows. They are from Window World and have the faux panes in them. They are 2 panes acrossand 4 panes up. What do you think?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Lynn,
Oh yeah it would look great. Just get the simple frosting film that’s classic and chic looking (they sell some strange patterned ones that feel odd and dated to us) and go to town. Or just wait for our post about it coming next week!
xo,
s
Amy E. says
that’s an awesome idea that would definitely save a lot of people some money (myself included).
as for bathroom reno, we’re in the middle of redoing our stand-in shower in the master bathroom. the pan that used to be in there was a leaker and we decided to gut it and redo it ourselves (or at least try and then hire a professional if we really screwed up). when we took out the shower pan, we realized why it was leaking: the installing contractor did a horrible job and it wasn’t supported evenly by the cement underneath!
we bought a Schluter-Kerdi shower kit (www.schluter.com) and we’re in the process of tiling right now! our goal is to finish before Christmas. at first that goal seemed pretty lofty, but it’s looking almost manageable now!
i definitely understand what you’re going through with the tile choices keeping you up at night. i can’t even count how many times we looked at tile in stores and online. good luck to you! if you’d like, i’ll shoot you a couple before and (eventually) afters when the time comes!
can’t wait to see what awesome idea you come up with next!
Struggler says
I think you guys are totally awesome but I’m not kidding myself I would ever get this organized (I’d be sitting on the sofa drinking tea and eating cookies long before buying fresh paint cans)!
However, love the tips on getting extra labels printed and the non-drip pour-spout thing.
Right now, I’d just be pleased to get all our paint in one place – I can think of at least 3 rooms where it’s “stored” right now!
Caitlin says
you mentioned that you like to do quick touch-ups, even on your flat paint. I’m in need of a touch up (roommate’s cat, metal decorative thingamabob, black lines down a week old paint job). I’ve been putting it off because it seems ridiculous to open the paint can, buy another tray AND a new roller just to roll over this tiny section of wall. is there a better way that i’m not thinking of? using a paintbrush wouldn’t match up with the rest of the wall. how do you do your quick touchups on flat paint?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Caitlin,
Believe it or not I just use a brush and dip straight into the paint can so there’s little set-up or clean-up required. The key is to apply super thin coats and feather them out far beyond the area that you’re touching up so there’s no obvious harsh outline that’s visible once things dry. This technique works like a charm on our flat plaster walls but might not work for a more textured surface (where touch ups can be more obvious) but we hope it helps!
xo,
s
Mary says
At such great prices, those empty paint cans would be great for other types of storage as well. Or plants, etc. VERY cool look!
Laura S. says
My husband and I live in Minnesota, in the suburbs of Minneapolis, and we just found our new home! We close on the 14 of December, and move in on the 19th – so we will be spending a LOT of time before Christmas organizing and painting (I just checked out 3 different fan decks of paint swatches from my local Hirshfields – when I found out that they have fan decks, my heart did a little hop-skip of happiness!) Now I’m holding up different paint colors to every wall!
Erica Stinziani says
My jaw is wide open! Holy Cow you all are organized. If you end up with too many colors you can always donate it to schools for murals. I am an art teacher and for free paint stores will usually tint the paint (especially for schools.)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Erica,
That’s a great idea! Art was my favorite subject so that’s definitely a cause that’s close to my heart. We’ll be doing that next time!
xo,
s
LauraC says
Ok, you guys are nerds! But you made my heart skip a beat with envy, so I guess that makes me a nerd too! And I’m ok with that. Those new paint cans look so awesome; I’ve been wanting to organize all our cans too, now I know how! The thoughful previous owners of our home left all their cans labled with that room they used them in, but they’re scattered in the basement and the garage, and we’ve added significantly to them as well! (We’ve painted our daughter’s room and a bathroom in just the past month.)
We’re just finishing up a cheapo-bathroom update (paint and hardware only), but we’re planning to do a big reno in the upstairs one. It has a shower up there (the only one in the house) that has cracked glass, and I really hope to replace it with a tub. Baby #2 – A BOY WE JUST FOUND OUT TODAY!!!!!! – is due in April, so I don’t know if we’ll get it done by then or not. I sure hope so!
YoungHouseLove says
Congrats LauraC! Good luck with the little guy on the way!
xo,
s
Kristi says
another FREE solution to the gunked up rim on paint cans is the first time you open it (before pouring!) take a nail and hammer and in the rim pound a few holes (at least 4) evenly spaced. Then when you pour the stuff that usually sits in the rim will drip back into the can- it’s not 100% clean but it’s much much better!!
-Kristi
YoungHouseLove says
We love that tip Kristi! Thanks for sharing!
xo,
s
Holly says
I’m glad I’m not the only one who has MAJOR issues with mismatched paint cans! I was thinking of using mason jars (I use them for EVERYTHING) but wasn’t sure if being exposed to light (even in a basement) through glass would cause issues with the paint… I hadn’t thought of getting new cans, though! And I do have one of the snap on paint can “spout” things, and it was the best buck I ever spent! Home Depot usually has them at the paint counter. :-) Hooray for your OCD matching my OCD and you testing the waters! I’ll be doing this ASAP!
Leslie says
I love this idea and I love True Value for recognizing your talent. I must go out and get some of these! Thanks for the inspiration! You guys are the best!
Tracy says
My inner geek loves your paint cans. Another idea is to get plastic containers (I bought mine at Lowes, I think they’re Rubbermaid) designed to hold a small amount of paint (maybe a pint?). Just enough for touchups. Mine are in a cabinet, but if they were on display I think I’d go for your industrial-chic cans! :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Tracy,
We love that touch-up tip (one variation we’ve heard is to use baby food jars, and another is to actually purchase small containers with a built-in brush on the lid so you can quickly touch up small smears or imperfections without any clean-up)!
xo,
s
Laura C. says
For those considering using the paint cans for Christmas gifts or goodies – they can even be shipped through the US Postal Service! :) Makes for a real hoot when you drop off your packages!! :) Just make sure there aren’t any embellishments to fall off or get damaged in transit.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Laura C,
Definitely good to know! Thanks so much for adding that fun little fact!
xo,
s
caitlin says
so funny that you added the bit about latch-on pour spout… i was thinking about it while i reading about the years of gunked up paint on can-lips. My guy put it our cart at the hardware store and I said, “Really? We need this?” and he convinced me that the 2bux would be a good spend. Pour spout rules!
caitlin says
I saw in some comments people were asking about “empty” paint cans that still have paint in them. One thing we have done is fill the “empty” ones with cheap cat litter (we dont have cats) and let the litter absorb all the moisture… then you can dump the litter in your normal garbage and recycle the can.
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip Caitlin! Thanks for chiming in!
xo,
s
Barbara says
Damn.
Next project on my list: buy empty paint cans, label and transfer paint into them so my garage can start on its way to looking super cool.
Do you two EVER run out of ideas?? My house looks so sad compared to yours!!
Sara says
I like this idea! I personally wouldn’t use it for paint, but this is a great storage idea for other things, and I’m also totally stealing the idea for holiday gifts. (Everyone’s getting a paint can of cookies, haha!)
chelsea says
What font did you use on your labels? I love how its very plain.
YoungHouseLove says
It’s Eurostyle. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Delta says
Hi guys – Just read this post and wanted to share with you how I keep my paint. Unless there is a bunch of paint left in the can, I pour any extra paint into glass canning jars and label them where I used it (like “kitchen walls” “living room ceiling,” etc.) When I need to touch up a smudge, I just grab a jar, shake the heck out of it, and paint away. I am very careful not to leave any paint around the top of the jar before I screw the lid back on. I find it is easier than using a messy paint can. I also keep paint cards for all paint that I have used. Even if the paint color is discontinued, the paint store can always look back at the formula and mix up some more for me. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Love it!
xo,
s
Christine says
Did you end up leaving all this paint for the new homeowners – or bring it along for touch-ups in the new house?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Christine,
We left everything that’s on the walls and the sunroom floor (since we’re using new paint colors in the new house anyway). But we did bring along all the accent paint that we own (like the paint we used on Clara’s green mirror or our celedon bookcase, which we took with us). We figured the new homeowners wouldn’t be needing that stuff anyway since the item it relates to came with us!
xo,
s
Mari Anne says
This is 2 years after your post– but a question on your use of an upside down lampshade in the basement– did you use an extra long bulb? I tried to do this but the wires inside the shade are too deep into the shade and the bulb doesn’t reach. Went back to look for a shade with a “flatter” set of wires, but couldn’t find one. Did you get lucky? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, we used a regular bulb, but you can use a pliers to bend the metal rods inside of the shade to hopefully retrofit things (squishing them a bit can make it fit better, just twist the needly nosed pliers so the rods get a bit of a right angle which can shorten them. I know that sounds confusing but it’s the best I can do! Good luck!
xo,
s
C Redmond says
I have to admit to being that nerdy that I love everything, even paint, to be organized. But I do hate the idea of making more landfill- that’s a biggy for me. Reusing glass jars is my compromise.
I haven’t yet transferred all of my paint into neat containers (yet) but I like to save glass jars and reuse them for leftover paint. The jar threads are easy enough to wipe clean after using so that the lid seals properly, unlike the problem with the paint cans. Easy to see the colour at a glance but also labelling with the paint cards ensures you have the formula if you need to get more to match.
While 1-gallon jars aren’t common, generally I buy only the amount of paint that is needed for the project and that way I usually don’t have more than a quart leftover. Buying too much paint hoping that it will store is a bad practise- especially when using voc-free paints. I have had leftovers zero-voc paint go bad- what a stench! Something to keep in mind when buying eco-paint- buy enough to do the job and don’t plan to store it for years.