3 Ways to Use Leftover Paint

Add decorative touches to household items with your spare cans of paint.

Beauty of Canisters, Coffee Mug Tree, Cheese Board

Three Ways to Use Leftover Paint

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Materials Needed

Creative Content by Rebecca Hines

  • leftover paint
  • paint brush
  • painter's tape
  • clothespins
  • glass canisters
  • coffee tree
  • cheese board

Glass Canisters

A set of kitchen canisters with plain wooden lids lacked interest and style.

Glass Canisters, Paint, Brush and Painter's Tape

Materials for Kitchen Canisters

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Paint With Color Wash

Secure painter's tape around the lid and create a design of your choice. Next, take a paint brush and apply thin, even layers of paint. If needed, apply one more coat and allow to dry.

A Splash of Color

Fill the trio of canisters with your favorite snacks and display on the countertop for easy access.

Trio of Glass Kitchen Canisters

Painted Kitchen Canisters

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Coffee Mug Tree

Give an ordinary wooden coffee mug tree a chic, yet simple update with a little paint.

Coffee Mug Tree, Paint, Painter's Tape and Brushes

Materials for Coffee Mug Tree

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Remove Tree Sticks

Detach the tree sticks from the base and attach clothespins to keep them steady and ready for painting. Let dry completely before reattaching.

Cute Coffee Station

Hang your collection of mugs from the tree and keep your coffee machine nearby for a convenient place to brew up a morning cup of joe.

Beauty of Coffee Mug Tree

Coffee Mug Tree

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Cutting Board

A simple cutting board receives new purpose with a little paint and hand-lettering.

Paint, Brushes, Painter's Tape and Wooden Cheese Board

Materials for Cheese Board

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Paint + Stencil

Coat all four edges of the cutting board with one to two coats of paint. Allow to dry completely. Stencil on the edge of the board to get the lettering and spacing correct. Finally, use a small paint brush to write over the stenciled words.

Cheese Serving Tray

Invite your best pals over for a wine and cheese night, complete with this beautiful cheese tray.

Beauty of Cheese Board

DIY Cheese Board

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Complete Set

The trio of projects look lovely lined up together on the kitchen countertop, offering a place for guests to enjoy snacks and a cup of coffee.

Beauty of Coffee Mug Tree, Cheese Board, Canisters

Three Ways to Use Leftover Paint

Photo by: Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Andy Vinson of Loch & Key Productions

Decorating with Leftover Paint
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